INTRUDERS have stolen hundreds of pounds and caused £600 worth of damage in an overnight raid at Weymouth Football Club.

The culprits broke in and vandalised the club shop before stealing around £200 – cash taken during Mon-day’s home game with Forest Green Rovers.

They then rifled through financial paperwork and stole petty cash as they ransacked a commercial office at the Wessex Stadium.

The debt-ridden Terras are currently fighting for survival on and off the pitch and director Shaun Hennessy said the break-in had come at the worst possible time.

He said: “It’s the last thing we need at the moment. We can’t afford to lose a penny right now.

“It’s going to be quite expensive just to repair the damage. I’d say we’re looking at £600 at least.”

Dorset Police said the burglary happened sometime between 7pm on Monday and yesterday morning.

Mr Hennessy said the thieves gained access to the club shop, which is run by supporters club the Terras Trust, by kicking in the door.

“The till was forced open, which unfortunately had all of Monday’s takings in it,” he said. “They got £200 from that and just threw the shirts all over the place.”

Mr Hennessy said the raiders then smashed their way into the commercial office and wrecked it before seizing a small amount of petty cash.

He said: “They literally stole a couple of pounds but every file in there was opened and paperwork was thrown everywhere.

“We’re not sure exactly what was taken but we’re in the middle of conducting a full audit on the club so we need to ensure everything we require is still there.”

Mr Hennessy said the club’s security company had now offered to patrol the Wessex Stadium at night to try toprevent further incidents.

But he and fellow club officials are hoping the break-in was a one-off and that Weymouth Football Club were not being targeted.

“We’ve got absolutely no idea who might have done this at the moment,” he added. “But we’re obviously hoping it was just opportunist thieves.

“We would just urge anyone who knows those responsible to get in touch with the police.”

Contact the police 01305 222222 with information.