CCTV released following football club fruit machine burglary

An unknown person broke into the Finney’s Lane ground before emptying the clubhouse fruit machine cash boxes at approximately 3am on Wednesday, September 13.

CCTV footage shows the masked assailant, who smashed through a double-glazed window, crawl into the building and leave two minutes later with the money.

Steve Morris, Middlewich Town FC chairman, said: “Whoever it was knew exactly what they were doing and I suspect they do this for a living.

“They knew exactly where the machines were and how to get them open. The glass they broke through is not easily smashed either so this was thought out.

“I’m also completely convinced that this person is local to Middlewich. They came in through the cemetery and left without a vehicle so they must know the area.

“We regularly empty our cash boxes so I want this burglar to know that they are the real loser.

"The offender has lost this time. They thought they were going to cash in but they have come away with change.

“More than anything it’s been the nuisance of it all. I was up at the club from 3am until 1pm clearing things and boarding parts up. There was glass everywhere.

The club have since sent out an appeal for information on Facebook along with the CCTV footage.

Steve said: “I’m really happy with how the post has gone. The video has just blown up.

“It’s been shared by everything involved with the club including players old and current so hopefully it helps us catch whoever is responsible.

“The police have also told me they have an idea of someone who could be involved with this so we’ve now left it with them to pursue.”

Steve estimates that the door will cost around £1,000 to repair.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “Police were called to reports of a burglary at Middlewich Town Football Club.

“Enquiries are currently ongoing.

“Anyone who has any information is asked to contact the police on 101 quoting incident 77 of September 13.”