VANDALS have ruined a precious collection of football memorabilia after breaking into Dagenham and Redbridge FC’s stadium.
In the early hours of Sunday the raiders broke into the club and vandalised the public toilet area causing significant damage to a facility much used by local football fans.
The thieves also set fire to the container/hut that stored the club’s magazines, programmes and football memorabilia, much of which cannot be replaced.
Chief Inspector Richard Goodwin of Barking and Dagenham Police said: “I find it baffling that the people who committed this crime have actually caused damage to a facility that provides a huge amount of support as well as entertainment to their own community.
“Dagenham and Redbridge FC is a valued family focused asset for the borough and I hope that anyone who has information concerning this incident will recognise this and contact Police without delay.”
Daggers Managing Director Stephen Thompson said: “I was very distressed to arrive at the ground early on Sunday morning to see the mindless criminal damage done to toilet blocks and more importantly our programme shop. I appeal to anyone with any information on who might have done this to contact the police as soon as possible.
“The collection of programmes destroyed had been the result of 10 years hard work by two of our most dedicated supporters. It was recognised as one of the best in the country and an individual or individuals looking for something valuable have in fact destroyed a collection of programmes that was priceless. My heart goes out to the two supporters involved. The toilets can be repaired but some of the programmes are irreplaceable."
Anyone who has information concerning this incident should contact Barking and Dagenham CID by dialling 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 333 111.