A FOOTBALL club has criticised “mindless morons” who tried to smash their way into its club house.

Raiders attempted to break into the clubhouse at Halstead Town FC, in Rosemary Lane, in the early hours of last Wednesday.

The crooks used a brick to try to smash their way through a window.

Chairman Darren Mitchell said he was devastated by the attack.

He said: “We are a community and volunteer-run club who run on a tight budget and these incidents hurt us badly in the pocket.”

But Mr Mitchell insisted the club would bounce back, and thanked the police and the community who have rallied round quickly to show their support.

He said: “As always, the negatives they cause are mitigated by the positive messages of support we get from the community.

“We will not be beaten and the 140-year existence of the club will continue for another 140 years beyond the lifecycle of these idiots.”

On the same night, two high street hairdressers – Bobby Bob’s Salon and Cutters – as well as a chemist were also targeted by burglars.

A police spokesman said: “Bobby Bob’s hair salon reported a similar offence. A jar of small change was taken but later found and returned by the public.

“A pharmacy on Factory Lane West was targeted just before 4.45am.

“Entry was gained and a search of the tills was conducted, but nothing else has been reported as missing.

“We also received reports that a man was walking up the High Street just before 1.40am, and that he may have been trying to gain entry to businesses.”

Police believe the incidents are connected.

CCTV footage showed one person fleeing the club’s grounds at 2.30am.

If you have any information, call the police on 101.