Burglars smashed their way through a wall to gain access to Burnham-On-Sea Sailing Club over the weekend before stealing a large quantity of alcohol from the club’s cellar and bar.
Police have stepped up patrols in the area and appealed for witnesses following the robbery on the South Esplanade, which occurred between 9pm on Saturday and 7am on Sunday.
“A large quantity of wines, beers and spirits worth over £1,200 was taken – it is just sickening. A window was forced open to enter the clubhouse and breeze blocks in a wall of the cellar were smashed apart,” Club Treasurer Graham Wills (pictured) told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
It is the third time that the club has been struck by thieves over the past year, with outboard motors, metal cables, dinghies and sailing equipment worth over £20,000 stolen over that period.
Mr Wills says the crime is threatening the future of the club, which has 125 members.
“It is sickening for a small club like us that our insurance premiums could go up so high that we can no longer afford them. We will have to pass on the increased costs to our members by raising the membership fees,” he said.
Burnham-On-Sea.com understands the club has called an emergency meeting of its management committee this evening (Tuesday, November 19th) to discuss the problems further, including the cost of further increasing security.
The club is keen to warn other businesses and clubs in the area that they should ramp up their security to avoid any reoccurence and for residents to get in touch with Burnham Police if they are offered cheap alcohol for sale.
Police have increased patrols in the area and spokeswoman Cath Foster confirmed: “An investigation has been launched into the break-in.”
“We would ask anyone with information to get in contact with police by calling the non-emergency number 101.”
Pictured: Top, Sailing club treasurer Graham Wills surveying the damaged wall and, above with the empty shelves where the alcohol was stored
