Burglary leaves football club with £35,000 bill

An amateur football club faces a £35,000 bill after damage was caused and items stolen in a break-in at its premises.

Burglars broke into the Padstow United Youth & Girls FC ground at Jury Park between Wednesday and Thursday, said police.

A John Deere tractor, walk-behind mowers, football equipment and balls were among the items stolen.

The thieves also ripped out the CCTV system, leaving the club without surveillance footage.

Club secretary Les Barlow said the losses had hit the club hard with important games approaching.

"Gutted is an understatement," he said.

"It's caused more hassle than we needed and it's caused trouble with our fixtures.

"But other clubs have kindly lent us their equipment so we'll continue with the games."

He and other club leaders have estimated total loss at about £35,000, he said.

Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating the burglary and have urged anyone with information to contact them.

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