THIEVES targeted the office of Basingstoke Town Football Club, just hours after it had finished its first pre-season friendly.

The burglary, at The Soccer AM Stadium, in Winchester Road, took place sometime between 10.30pm on Tuesday, July 14 and 9am the following day.

Earlier that evening, the Dragons lost 3-1 to League Two team AFC Wimbledon, in front of a crowd of just under 600 people.

Police confirmed that thieves broke into the club office and took cash.

In a statement on its website, the club said that “much damage was caused and a number of items were taken including cash”.

It added that officers are studying CCTV footage at the club.

It is not the first time that thieves have targeted the stadium in a burglary.

In 2008, the car of an assistant referee was stolen after thieves rifled through changing rooms during the first game of the season.

More recently, in 2011, thieves stole a mini-fridge and computer equipment after raiding the club office twice in two days.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Basingstoke police station on 101, quoting crime reference number 44150242233, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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