Raiders' wrecking spree at Hilton Park
Published Date:
27 August 2008
Thieves have raided Hilton Park a staggering 14 times in the last few weeks.
The ground has been repeatedly plundered by thieves as Leigh Centurions' season comes to an end.
The club estimate that a break-in at the ground this Sunday was the 14th time they have been burgled in recent weeks and there is growing frustration over the constant attacks.
In one of the more recent raids the vandals managed to break into the scoreboard (pictured below), where they ripped cherished memorabilia down before making their escape.
In the latest incident, a gang were captured on CCTV breaking into the ground and the club bar was trashed.
Leigh Centurions chief executive Allan Rowley said: "Sadly, the vandals are raiding us more and more, and the Mick Martyn Bar was wrecked again at the weekend.
"That was about the 14th time we have been burgled since we announced we were leaving.
"It is mindless vandalism and we cannot believe that people can behave like this constantly."
The Centurions played their last league game at Hilton Park against Whitehaven last weekend and should complete their move to a new home at the Leigh Sports Village during the closed season in November.
But they have to play Whitehaven in the play-offs and Leigh Genesis FC, who share the ground with the Centurions, are still hoping to play some home games at the ground this football season.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police are investigating following a burglary at the Sporting Club in Leigh.
"Sometime between midday on Saturday, August 23, and 7.15am on Sunday, August 24, offenders broke into one of the bars in the club by prising off metal shutters.
"Once inside, the thieves ransacked the bar area and kitchen, smashing up glasses and other property behind the bar.
"The offenders stole several items including a video recorder, a DVD player and beer but the items were recovered at the scene.
"Two men in their 30s were arrested following the incident and have been bailed, pending further inquiries."
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Last Updated:
27 August 2008 9:46 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Leigh