MEMBERS of Caldicot Town Football Club have said they are “devastated” after valuables worth thousands of pounds were stolen from their changing rooms while the team played on Saturday.

The Welsh League side were hosting Haverfordwest County AFC when it is understood items were taken from both teams during the second half of the match.

Club staff lock the changing rooms while matches are being played, but the offenders reportedly gained entry through the changing rooms’ small windows.

Tour kitty boxes, containing up to £400 each, were taken from both teams, along with cash, wallets, smartphones, a laptop and even wedding rings.

The incident has led to support from fellow Welsh League sides, including rivals Undy Athletic - who described the act as “disgusting”.

It is not the first time that a Monmouthshire football club has been targeted by thieves during a match.

In December 2016, the changing rooms at Goytre Football Club in Abergavenny had multiple valuables stolen in a similar raid.

In the aftermath of the more recent incident, Caldicot Town released a statement on Sunday which read: “During yesterday’s Caldicot Town versus Haverfordwest County game a person or persons have gained access to the changing rooms and stole a substantial amount of items.

“The police were called immediately and we are working with them to provide any information to help catch the perpetrators.

“We are totally gutted for our own players and those of Haverfordwest County.”

Barry Vaughan, the club secretary for Haverfordwest County, said: “It’s been a very upsetting experience for everybody concerned.

“I don’t know the individual items but I know that some quite expensive phones, wallets, watches and cash were taken, as well as the wedding ring of our club captain who only got married in the last 12 months.”

“We echo the sentiments of Caldicot Town.

“There is no blame on them from us as they welcomed us all very well.”

A Gwent Police spokeswoman confirmed the details of the incident.

She said: “At approximately 4.50pm on Saturday March 11 we received reports of a break-in at Caldicot Town AFC on Jubilee Way.

“It is believed the offender/s gained entry via a window and stole many items from inside the home and away changing rooms at the club.

“This is currently a live investigation.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log: 404 11/03/17.”