MEMBERS of Basingstoke Rugby Club say they are ‘devastated’ after masked burglars smashed a window and broke in, ransacking the office and stealing two charity boxes – one of which was for a sick child.

Basingstoke Rugby Club, at Down Grange, in Pack Lane, was broken into at around 4.30am on Sunday, June 4 when intruders smashed the window to the fire exit to gain entry.

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A spokesperson for the club said the burglars also broke another window to the club’s shop, as well as breaking tills and trashing the office before making off with a laptop, two charity boxes and a bag of Haribo sweets.

The club spokesperson described the break-in as “vile and disgusting”, particularly as the thieves stole two charity boxes – one which was raising money for a member of staff’s sick child and another for RFU Injured Players Foundation, which supports injured rugby players.

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She added: “It has a massive impact for us, it’s impacted everyone. We are a small, grassroots club and it’s horrible that someone has done this to us. And to take charity boxes as well. It’s vile and disgusting.”

It is thought the damage caused cost around £1,000. Club members pulled together on Sunday to help clear the mess.

The club has reported the incident to Hampshire Constabulary and sent over CCTV images.

The club’s spokesperson said crime scene investigators had also managed to collect forensic evidence, adding: “If anyone has any information please let us know and we can pass to the police directly. I would like to thank all those who helped out with clearing up the mess and making the building secure.”

Hampshire Constabulary has been asked for information.