THIEVES have stolen fundraising equipment and cash and damaged North Petherton Junior Rugby Club’s team hut.

The portable cabin was vandalised and a griddle stolen which is used to make hot snacks to sell during matches.

The thieves also stole a cash float that was kept in the cabin overnight.

It is thought the hut was struck either last Monday or Tuesday but was not discovered until Wednesday when the team met for training.

Sharon Sweet, club secretary, said: “They’ve caused a lot of damage, they’ve smashed windows and thrown things all over the place, it was a real mess.

“They took our griddle which we use to make bacon sandwiches to sell during the matches so it’s our main source of income.

“It’s such a shame because we’ve worked so hard to make the cabin into a nice club area.

“The junior club is all self-funded so the money we raise goes towards running the club and to buy kit, and equipment.

Lloyd Williams, chairman of the juniors, said that the response from parents at the club has been very positive.

He said: “I went down to the club when I heard what had happened and by the time I arrived some of the parents had already been and cleared up.

“We’re a really tight group with the kids and the parents and it shows in what has been a great response to the breakin.”

Police are currently investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting crime reference number 20054/15.