Published: Friday, 21st November, 2008 8:00am

Changing rooms raided

by Alan Bunce

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FOOTBALLERS had valuables stolen when thieves broke into their changing room during the first half of a cup tie.

Players from Bracknell Town FC and Windsor & Eton FC had mobile phones, cash, wallets and jewellery stolen during Tuesday night's GX Cup tie at Bracknell's Larges Lane ground.

Robins first team captain Neil Baker said: "We all went out for the game and in between then and half time someone had gone through the pockets of the whole side.

"I wasn't playing, so I had my stuff with me, but apart from me and one or two other lads everyone had a mobile phone stolen or their wallet or jewellery. One of the guys had wrapped his valuables up in a towel and had put it in his bag, and they took that too.

"We can't believe someone would do it."

Some of the Windsor & Eton players had put their valuables in a bag that was taken pitchside, but those who hadn't were also targeted.

The theft was discovered at half time, and the start of the second half was delayed while Bracknell FC called the police, although as no keys were taken police officers did not attend.

Mr Baker said: "To be honest it fired quite a few of the players up.

"We didn't win but we played quite well but at one stage we didn't think we'd even play the second half."

Bracknell Town FC chairman Chris Nixon praised both sets of players for their professionalism in the game - which Windsor won 1-0.

He said: "All credit to the players, they were tremendous on both teams. They went out and played a good game of football despite what had happened."

Mr Nixon said the club has never been hit by thieves in this way and club officials suspect whoever was responsible knew their way around the stadium as the changing room area is secured and only accessible by players and officials.

Mr Nixon said the club is now looking into boosting security but could not install CCTV in the area out of respect for players using the changing rooms.

A police spokesman confirmed that items were stolen from 15 Bracknell Town players, but as the News went to press crime reports had only been received from seven.

There was no CCTV at the scene and no witnesses to the incident.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who saw people acting suspiciously near the changing rooms between 7.45pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday to call 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.