Early this week, during a sports evening session on the JLD Astroturf, various devices were stolen after being left in the team shelters by players. The unknown individual was able to enter the pitch and began to 'warm up' with little to no suspicion, as players assumed they were early for the next training slot. Within the next fifteen minutes, two bags containing two laptops and a phone had been taken and the individual had run away.
Shortly after, York Sport spoke to the individuals, who informed them that there is no CCTV covering the area in which the event took place. The victims had contacted the police at the scene, however, the devices had been found by the time an officer on duty had become available.
A spokesperson for York Sport said: "We were very sorry to hear that individuals using our facilities experienced a theft. Campus Safety teams were on site to offer support and the incident is now a matter for the police."
All devices have been safely returned to their owners, except for a laptop charger and set of headphones. One laptop was retrieved from the offender, who was found in the Fulford area after players successfully tracked the device. The other belongings were found under the small foot and cycle bridge along the path that runs parallel to Heslington Lane and runs alongside the JLD pitch.
A student attending the sports session commented that they felt very uneasy after hearing the news since part of their decision to come to the University of York was the “supposed emphasis on the safety of students.” The student expressed relief after seeing the Campus Safety team arrive promptly but were surprised to hear of the lack of CCTV in this area of campus.
Nouse understands this is the first time possessions have been stolen during training sessions at York Sport Centre.
One of the individuals affected has highlighted the danger of leaving personal belongings in the dugouts unattended during sports sessions and suggested keeping valuables in cars or the lockers at York Sport or around campus.
Members of the sports team advised students to question any unfamiliar individuals attending sessions to keep all attendees and their belongings safe.
