To all clubs and referees
We have become aware of various incidents where changing rooms have been entered whilst teams are playing matches, where valuables have been stolen.
Once we get games back under way after the horrible weather we have been experiencing, can I remind all clubs and referees to ensure that adequate security is put in place at all matches.
Please ensure that:-
Changing rooms are locked at all times. Make sure that if someone asks to go into a changing room whilst the match is in progress, that they lock them back up again when they have finished – this is one of the main causes of breach of security – where possible ensure that two people go to unoccupied changing rooms, thus ensuring your security.
Where changing rooms have outer doors and inner doors, on multi pitch sites, make sure that both outer and inner doors are locked, be aware that other teams and individuals have access to the outer doors, so you must ensure that your changing room door is locked at all times.
Do not leave any valuables in changing rooms, Money, Credit Cards, Keys, Mobile Phones etc are the staple diet of the sneak thief!
Operate a valuables bag, and take it out to the pitch with you, have someone look after it at all times.
I know I am probably putting more pressure upon the team Manager / Secretary, however try and make the players responsible for their own security.
As those of you who have already been victims to this type of crime will know, it causes a lot of grief once it has happened, and hopefully it can be prevented.
Mark Frost
Hunts FA County Secretary