Break-in shocks club

By Melissa Meehan
SMASHED drink fridges, frayed sprinkler system cords and doors ruined from being forced open.
Team managers Kim Hancock and Sally Toussaint are devastated as they look around the Pakenham Lions Junior Football Club rooms on Friday morning.
Kim is busily explaining the damage on the phone to police, and Sally is looking around in disgust – glad the damage isn’t as bad as it could have been, but saddened by the fact that it had happened.
“They’ve smashed the Coke fridge, tried to get into the canteen and ruined the sprinkler system,” Kim explains to the police.
“That would probably be worth at least $1000, and then there’s crowbar damage to the door…”
As she continues, Recreation Reserve president Steve Maloney continues to survey the damage in the background.
“They’ve really made a mess,” Sally explains.
“There would be at least $3000 damage to our rooms, and there could be more for the canteen people too.
“It’s just upsetting.”
Kim finishes her statement to police and walks around the building.
“I guess this is really a wake up for us,” Kim said.
“We will need to look at cameras and other security measures – really fork out some cash to protect us from this happening again.”
Later Cardinia Inspector Wayne Viney said police were investigating a burglary at the footy club between 7.30am on 7 July and 10am on 8 July.
“Offenders forced entry into the club rooms,” he said.
“Nothing was stolen but doors and the sprinkler system were damaged.
“Police are investigating the incident,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Pakenham police or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.