Changing room raided as footballers warm up

Mobile phones, wallets and a watch were among items swiped when thieves struck at a changing room while a squad of amateur footballers warmed up for a game.

The items, belonging to players from Wolverhampton Casuals, were taken from an unlocked dressing room at the club ground in Brinsford Lane, Coven Heath.

The team was preparing for a league match with rivals Cradley Town at the time of the break-in. Club secretary Mickey Green said today: "Three or four of the lads had their things taken.

"They were warming up at the time and the changing room was unlocked because they go back in before coming out to start the game.

"There were lots of people coming and going. Probably about 40 altogether. It's is one of those things that happens a lot and is difficult to stop. It happened to me a few years ago and it has happened to other clubs.

"It happened to one of the lads who plays for us on Sunday but while he was playing for another team.

"With so many people around it is difficult. You don't really know who is there and for what."

Mr Green said the changing rooms were targeted at about 7pm on Monday, just minutes before the West Midlands Premier division clash with Cradley. The Casuals went on to win the game 2-1.

Changing room facilities are a target for thieves who know that expensive items are often left behind while people take part in sport.

In December, a burglar stole phones, cash and clothes from the Monckton Recreation Centre, in Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, by pretending to be a member of a football team.

At the time, Penkridge Town FC were involved in a game. However, the alleged offender was snared by police after a player traced his iPhone using a tracking signal.

Staffordshire Police spokesman Peter Bate said the latest incident was reported to the force at 10pm on Tuesday. Anyone with information, should contact the force on 101 quoting incident number 727/24 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.