THE managing director of a football club repeatedly targeted by thieves said the thefts are 'ruining the club for everyone'.

Accrington Stanley Football Club was broken into for the fifth time in two weeks yesterday.

The thieves have repeatedly stolen items from the kiosk and caused damage to the pitch and the areas around the Wham Stadium.

However, after yesterday's break-in club owners discovered the thieves had managed to steal two leafblowers.

David Burgess, Accrington Stanley's managing director, praised the club's supporters and said the spate of break-ins was hindering the day to day running of the club.

He said: "It is so frustrating as we have worked hard on the pitch and around the ground over the last few years and it's the actions of a few which are making life difficult for us.

"We are a community club and these people are spoiling it for everyone.

"The supporters are superb on match-days, they self-police the Fanzone and other areas of the ground which are pristine.

"We have security cameras installed and the police have been given the footage of the break-ins and we will be increasing our security.

"Items, such as leafblowers and food have been stolen and this hinders the everyday running of the club."

A police spokesman said: "We were called at 8.14am yesterday to a report of a burglary at Accrington Stanley Football Club.

"It is believed that three offenders have gained entry and have taken two leafblowers.

The football club has been targeted previously in the last two weeks"

Anyone with information has been asked to contact 01254 356950.