QUEANBEYAN'S Riverside Clubhouse has sustained approximately $1000 damage after vandals broke into the canteen area and stole drinks in the early hours of Saturday, February 28.
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Queanbeyan Police arrived at the Carinya Street venue at about 3am following calls from nearby residents reporting an attempted break in.
Officers observed a male running from the area as soon as they arrived on the scene. They patrolled the nearby streets but were unable to approach the offender.
"Police located a sports bag containing an amount of soft drink and alcohol outside the club," duty officer Mark O'Donnell said.
"It's unclear if any other property was stolen."
Police officers said it appeared the perpetrator had gained access by forcing the front door of the canteen. They also broke into two club rooms by kicking in the doors. At least one door was left with a huge hole in the middle.
Riverside Clubhouse is maintained by Queanbeyan City Council and is used by the Queanbeyan City and Monaro Panthers Football Clubs.
The vice president of the Monaro Panthers Football Club Richard Vanderpol was called down to the incident at 3.15am that morning.
He estimated there was about $1000 worth of damage to the building.
"It's disappointing form the club's position. We're a non-profit group and we want our players to be in a safe and secure environment," he said.
"It doesn't impact us directly but knowing there's people out there for their own gain is disappointing. This is a community-owned and community-run facility."
A Queanbeyan City Council spokesman said they were currently having the damage assessed for insurance and could not provide an exact amount for damaged caused.
The council will repair and strengthen the security shutter on the canteen and the doors damaged during the break-in.
Queanbeyan City FC had scheduled a preseason tournament for the Saturday with teams visiting from Sydney and Wollongong. President Norm Aleksoski said the games were unaffected by the incidents from earlier in the morning. "I think it was a one-off," he said.
Queanbeyan Police will continue their investigations the incident. Anyone with any information can contact police on 6298 0555.