By REBECCA BILLS
THIEVES targeted the Warburton RSL and Golf Club over the weekend stealing alcohol, war memorabilia and thousands of dollars worth of tools.
Leading Senior Constable Scott Papeneux of Lilydale Crime Scene Unit said it was believed that the break-ins occurred on the same night.
“We know that here at the RSL they have forced the side door open with a screwdriver or something similar,” he said.
“They have searched through boxes, there are Anzac badges missing as well as three slabs of beer taken from the fridge, a World War I antique flare gun, a bayonet from a display cabinet, laptop and keys.
“They have used those keys to enter a container used for storage outside the back door where they have stolen power tools.
Warburton RSL president Keith Thomas described the break-in as sacrilege.
“It is the same as breaking into a church,” he said.
RSL secretary Lindsay Fischer said the flare gun and bayonet from World War I were donated to the RSL by families who had lost loved ones in the war.
“Now we have to get in touch with those families and explain what has happened – it’s very hard,” he said.
“It’s devastating, the only thing we can do now is upgrade our security and that’s more money that could have been used to help the elderly.
“If those who have taken the memorabilia have a heart, bring back the flare gun and the bayonet – and really the tools, too.”
Warburton Golf Club secretary David Murch confirmed the golf club was broken into between midnight and 6.30am on Sunday.
“They broke down a roller door to one of the cart rooms under the club, damaged a golf buggy then went upstairs and smashed one of the front doors, climbed through the security bars and stole around 14 bottles of spirits,” he said.
“Each bottle will cost around $30-$35 to replace but there are thousands of dollars in repairs to be made.
“It’s extremely disappointing – it will end up costing more in damages than what they stole.”
Mr Murch said although the club has working alarms it is now installing internal and external security cameras.
Blue Scooter, next to the RSL also suffered $800 worth of damages after being vandalised that same night.
Worker Sally Phasey said the attackers kicked through the gate and the statutes that were behind fell and smashed.
“I don’t think they have come into the property, they have just kicked through the fence. It’s pure vandalism.
“I’m so disappointed, it’s just so senseless.”
Mr Papeneux said it is possible the break ins are related to a spate of attacks along the Warburton Highway in April.
“We now will have to see what we can get as far as finger prints are concerned and take it from there,” he said.
“It is a very disappointing situation.”
Police would like to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity over the weekend, particularly Saturday night in Warburton.
Those who have any information are urged to call Lilydale CIU on 9730 2300 or phone Crime Stopper on 1800 333 000.
