Community news
Written by: Joe
Dear Lewes FC community,
Last week, the Dripping Pan was broken into and a valuable piece of property stolen. It is not the first time we have had break-ins at the ground. There are also persistent incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the Rookery 3G pitch, where our community teams (including children) play every day.
Lewes FC and Lewes Football Foundation restate that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We welcome thousands of people to the Dripping Pan and 3G every month. Everyone – staff, players, volunteers, community teams – has a right to work and socialise in a safe environment.
This incident is only the latest in recent months. Last year, the Rook Inn was targeted in a series of break-ins that eventually led to police action.
At the 3G, vandals have previously broken down a fence, damaged the dugouts, and set fire to a Portaloo. In May, a volunteer coach and their team were abused by trespassers, and rocks were thrown at the coach’s car. Later the same week, a window was smashed, a storage unit forced open, and an attempt was made to break a gate lock at the Rookery.
We are working to increase security at the Pan and installation of CCTV at the 3G is underway, so everyone – players, staff, volunteers, fans and parents – can enjoy football in a safe environment. Being safe is the minimum we should expect as a town and a community.
If you witness anti-social or criminal behaviour of this nature, please contact Sussex Police on 101 (if the incident is ongoing) or online at www.sussex.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/ in an emergency). Please also report to the Club (info@lewesfc.com) or Foundation (lewesfootballfoundation@gmail.com).