By Sophie Hammill
The Manor Lakes Football Club is working hard to bounce back stronger than ever after falling victim to seven separate break-ins over the past nine months.
With the last two robberies occurring only days apart from one another last month, the club has been left with an estimated loss of more than $30,000.
Appearing on 3AW’s Drive Home radio program in the days after the incident, Club President Troy Whiting said that the support from the community has been really positive.
“Earlier this year we held a number of fundraisers for people in our community with the Lake Gladman tragedy as well as a Breast Cancer Awareness Day, so it’s been nice to have the local community support us back.”
Whiting said that some of the items stolen in the robberies were “game day apparel, alcohol from the bar, and much needed medical equipment,” including “tape, strapping, our defibrillator and TENS-unit.”
The clubrooms, which is also shared with the Manor Lakes Cricket Club in the off-season, is located in an open area with its only means of protection being an internal alarm.
Until a more effective measure is installed, the only other preventative means that is being undertaken is simply ensuring the “club is properly locked and is undergoing regular checks,” with alcohol no longer left on the premises.
The financial damage is obvious but it is the affect that these break-ins is having on the rest of the club, especially the players that is of concern.
“These players have no equipment which has made training sessions very difficult,” Whiting said.
“Even things such as the game day footballs and compression bandages were stolen.”
Hearing of the Storm’s recent robbery, neighbourhood clubs Wyndham Suns and Glen Orden have helped the club get back on its feet by donating footballs, tape and even lending their spare defibrillator.
Since Whiting’s 3AW report, the broader football community has also shown great generosity with Western Bulldogs Vice President Susan Alberti offering to donate a new defibrillator once the club’s security has been upgraded.
“I think it is absolutely vitally important that they have a defibrillator at the club as I know it saves lives and I’ve seen them save lives, so I’m very happy to do that,” Alberti told 3AW.
If you would like more information on the Manor Lakes Football Club, please contact Troy Whiting on 0412-358-868.
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Last Modified on 17/07/2015 11:33