Police Launch Probe After Ninth Break-In at Hamble United FC
Thieves Set Fire Trying to Steal Gear
Police have launched an investigation after Hamble United Football Club suffered its ninth break-in. Fire crews rushed to the scene this afternoon after thieves, attempting to steal petrol and ground maintenance gear, accidentally set fire to a shipping container at the club’s Satchell Lane ground.
Flames Destroy Lawn Mowers and Strimmers
Just before 2:30pm, the club chairman raised the alarm after spotting thick smoke billowing from the container. Firefighters from Hightown and St Mary’s stations, supported by crew from Eastleigh, battled the blaze but the fire spread quickly, destroying professional lawn mowers and strimmers inside.
Arson Task Force Joins Police Inquiry
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s arson task force is now working alongside Hampshire Police. Thieves had used a disc cutter in an attempt to break into the container and steal equipment. A Hampshire Fire spokesman said:
“We got the call at 2.22pm about petrol inside a shipping container on fire. Two firefighters used breathing apparatus, a jet, and a high-pressure hose reel to tackle the blaze.”
Two fire engines attended, one from St Mary’s and one from Hightown, but the damage was total.
