Thieves leave waterpolo players reeling

A Bunbury sports club has been forced to hold a fundraiser after “brazen” thieves broke into its building on three separate occasions.

The Bunbury Water Polo Club committee is “fed up” with being targeted and after extensive action to protect its property, is at a loss as to what more it can do.

Thieves broke into the club’s building outside South West Sports Centre on January 3, which was the start of a three-night crime spree.

Over the course of the three nights, the thieves stole a flat screen television, a brand new Weber Q barbecue, the club’s unique game clock, food and drinks and caused thousands of dollars in damages.

The barbecue was yet to be used by the club after it was just bought from money members had raised through fundraising.

Vice-president Peter Edwards said the club had boarded up the building after the first attack but the thieves had kicked in the doors and even tried getting through the ceiling, causing extensive damage.

Mr Edwards estimated the damage at about $15,000 and said the club was “shattered” by the brazen attacks.

“So much goes into this club ... we’re just a bit shattered,” Mr Edwards said.

“There’s a little bit of work but we’ll re-group, they can’t beat us.”

Member Eboney Franklyn said the thefts were “frustrating” and “enough is enough”.

“It’s just getting out of control – we had CCTV which they stole, we already have bars on all the windows, how else can we make the clubrooms secure?,” Mrs Franklyn said.

“We’re now having to start from scratch again.”

“We don’t have contents insurance – we’re only a small club and if it means leaving the fees at a reasonable price for our members, then we’re prepared to take that chance.”

Mrs Franklyn said money raised to help the club’s juniors travel for competition would have to be used to fix the building.

The club will hold a Las Vegas Casino Fundraiser at the Bunbury Rowing Club on January 19 and everyone is welcome.

“We’re hoping it’s something fresh for Bunbury and it will be really fun and successful,” Mrs Franklyn said.

For tickets email bunburywaterpolo@hotmail.com.

Bunbury police confirmed the thefts were being investigated, and whether they were linked to break ins at South West Sports Centre.