Gymnastics centre shut after vandals cause more than £40,000 worth of damage
A children’s gymnastics centre has been forced to shut after more than £40,000 worth of damage was caused by vandals.
The destruction at Balwearie Gymnastics Centre in Kirkcaldy saw specialised equipment targeted.
It means classes have been cancelled for around 500 children who attend the premises.
Manager Lorraine Crawford said: “We’re heartbroken, gutted. I would urge anyone who knows anything to come to us or police so that whoever has done this can be caught.
“It’s had such an impact on our gymnasts. They’re all devastated and don’t understand why anyone would do this to their club.”
She added a key is believed to have been used to enter the facility due to no damage being caused to door locks.
In total, 17 separate pieces of vandalism were identified within the facility.
The offences are believed to have taken place between Friday, December 21, and Thursday, December 27.
Staff contacted police once the damage was discovered and officers are now appealing for witnesses.
Detective Constable Michael Nodes of Kirkcaldy’s Criminal Investigation Department said: “The sheer scale of the vandalism undertaken during this incident is breathtaking and it has deprived the local community of a number of this expensive equipment.
“We are eager to trace those responsible and are appealing to the public for information.
“I would ask anyone who was in the Mitchelston Industrial Estate between Friday, December 21, and Thursday, December 27, and saw anything suspicious, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“I would also ask anyone with CCTV that can assist our enquiries to please submit this to police for consideration.”
Members of the community and businesses have already stepped in with donations to help the centre get back on track.
Children aged between 10 months old and 17 years old attend the Kirkcaldy centre.
It has been shut for the remainder of the week so staff can ensure it is safe for them to return.
Other clubs have offered to take gymnasts into their classes for the mean time.
