A GROUP of hard working volunteers has been left devastated by a weekend break-in at their speedway club.
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A burglary at Mortlake Car Club Midwestern Speedway at Darlington was reported to police on Sunday.
Club vice president Jason Grayland said the break-in had absolutely gutted the small group of volunteers.
He said in club had come close to closing down about three years ago and a small group had come together to try and rebuild the club.
He said volunteers had used their own money to buy equipment such as water pumps and UHF radios.
It was estimated the club had lost about $3500 in the thefts and damage done.
"It's an insult to the time and money we put into the club," Mr Grayland said.
"With covid we have not had a good couple of years. It's a small group of active members who do all the work.
"A few of us got together to get the club up and active again to give the families of Darlington and the Mortlake area something to do and be involved in and then this happens.
"It makes you think why do we bother?
"The rewards come when we see families coming together and out in the crowd. And a couple of bad eggs decide to ruin it.
"To me it's like a personal attack, I've really taken it to heart."
Mr Grayland said there had been a break-in at the club the previous weekend with nothing taken and President Paul Singleton went to check the track on the weekend to make sure all was well.
"There were two roller doors broken and side entrance door broken," he said.
"We're absolutely gutted."
The thief or thieves stole jerry cans full of fuel, a 20litre oil drum, a water pump, a three metre by three metre gazebo, small engine parts, a GMC circular saw, a post hole digger and other items.
Detective Senior Constable Wayne Ryan, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said thieves successfully attempted to gain access through a canteen roller door and wooden door before forcing open another roller door to a garage area where various items were stored.
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The investigator said that at Derrinallum, between 1pm and 6pm on Saturday, offenders attended a property where a house is being built.
"That house is being built and at lock-up stage. Thieves gained entry to a shed through a sliding door and stole a quantity of power tools," Detective Senior Constable Ryan said.
"The stolen items included a Stihl chainsaw, a Stihl whipper snipper, a Milwaukee laminate trimmer, a Triton circular saw, a Milwaukee cordless drill, a Ryobi sander and tool box worth a total of about $2000.
"We believe these burglaries and thefts may be linked and ask that anyone who saw an unusual vehicle near the Darlington speedway or in the Kurweeton Road area of Derrinallum on Saturday afternoon contact police.
"What we are seeking is the color, make, model or registration of a vehicle or anyone with dash camera footage to come forward and contact police."
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Warrnambool CIU on 5560 1153 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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