Appeal for information after Wigan Athletic break-in

The club say they were 'hugely disappointed' to discover that the home of Wigan Athletic Community Trust – the Montrose Skills Hub on Montrose Avenue – had been broken into.

Staff from the Trust and our security partners were alerted to the incident on Friday afternoon and subsequently attended the Skills Hub to discover that offices had been damaged with storage smashed and emptied and desks smashed.

One of the minibuses the Trust uses for the delivery of its sessions in schools and for the programmes it runs for vulnerable children, was also stolen and later discovered by police significantly damaged having been driven through gates and fencing.

The club commented: "Naturally, this would be unacceptable at any time, though given the support that Wigan Athletic Community Trust is currently providing to thousands of people in Wigan, it is only more frustrating and upsetting for the staff who are going above and beyond in this challenging time."

Wigan Athletic’s Head of Community, Tom Flower, said: “We were really disappointed to discover the break-in on Friday; our staff are providing support to thousands of people in Wigan during what is a challenging time for many people.

“We have been out delivering PPE, food and other essential items to those in need and providing online education sessions and activities to support parents who are home-schooling.

“Our staff have also made over 600 calls to Wigan Athletic supporters over the age of 65 to offer support during the COVID-19 outbreak and are continuing to do so.

“Whilst the damage caused won’t stop us from providing the valuable support and resources we do, it is significant and the repairs will cost us money that could be used elsewhere to help our community.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police added: “At around 5.30pm on Friday 15 May 2020, police received a report of an earlier burglary on Montrose Avenue, Wigan.

“An investigation is underway. No arrests have been made.

“Anyone with information should contact police on [email protected] quoting 1940 of 15/05/20 or the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”