A shocking incident has left a local rugby club reeling after it was targeted by intruders on Boxing Day, prompting a call for public assistance in identifying the culprits. The Ystradgynlais Rugby Football Club, a cherished community hub, found itself in a distressing situation when two individuals broke into their clubhouse during the early hours of December 26th. This break-in led to the regrettable cancellation of several planned events on Friday, disrupting what is typically one of the club's busiest days of the year.
The club reported that the thieves gained entry by forcibly removing tiles from the roof, which allowed them to break through the wooden battens beneath and access the foyer area. Surveillance footage captured by the club’s CCTV system shows one suspect standing by an open till, providing crucial evidence related to the crime. In light of these developments, Dyfed-Powys Police have been contacted for comments regarding the investigation.
Boxing Day holds significant importance for Ystradgynlais RFC as it coincides with televised matches featuring Wales' top four rugby union teams, drawing in large crowds of fans and families. Expressing their disappointment, the club took to social media to share their sadness over having to close on such a key date, though they managed to reopen the following Saturday.
Martin Donnelly, a director at the club, recounted how they were alerted to the break-in by passersby who noticed that several roof tiles had been disturbed. Initially dismissed as potential storm damage, it soon became clear that the disturbance was the result of an intentional break-in.
Once inside, the intruders caused considerable damage, including creating a hole in the foyer ceiling that will need replacing. They then accessed the bar area, forced open the shutter, and proceeded to steal cash from the tills along with a substantial number of bottles of spirits. "We've lost quite a bit of money," Mr. Donnelly lamented, highlighting that the incident brings not only financial loss but also emotional distress to both the club and its members.
Reflecting on the impact of this unfortunate event, Mr. Donnelly emphasized how Boxing Day is a vibrant occasion for the community, where people gather to watch local rugby derbies and reconnect with family and friends. "It’s always a great occasion, so it’s very sad to miss out on that," he remarked.
Despite the challenges, the club remains hopeful that forensic investigations and the insights from their CCTV footage will lead to the swift apprehension of the alleged thieves, restoring peace and security to their beloved community space.
