Unfortunately, MTC suffered a break-in overnight on Monday, 31st October. The perpetrators failed to gain access via the doors (both doors held firm though there was lock damage - read below) so they ripped off the side window boarding & gained access that way. They stole the Club's PC & monitor, which were only used to manage the gate access system, then proceeded to smash both of these items & dump the pieces elsewhere in the park. Nothing else appears to have been stolen. It is certainly a wake-up call for us regarding security & we have raised the issue of CCTV with East Lothian Council since security lights were no deterrent (neither was generating a noise trying to kick the doors in).
New keys required
The damaged lock has been replaced & this was the middle mortice lock on the main door. As a result, any key holders will need to replace the key they have for that damaged lock with a new one - Debbie Elliot has arranged for the new keys to be cut to replace those held by existing keyholders. Please contact Debbie at social@mtc.scot to arrange for your replacement key.
As a result of this break in, we've taken the decision that the outer gate needs to be locked as this will act as a deterrent in itself. We are hopefully arranging with Park staff to have them open this gate in the morning & lock it before the end of their day, but we need to ensure that Club members can gain access in the evenings. We have also received enquiries from new members regarding keys for the club house. Any requests for keys should also be sent to Debbie (please note that you will need to pay for any key cutting if you do require keys). We hope to speak to the Sports Centre as well to see if they are willing to hold a key for the gate, though this is unlikely as they were not willing to use keyfobs for public access (the reason the keypads were installed).
The database for the gate access system is in the process of being restored to another device at present. Note that the gate access system itself is still fully operational & your fobs will work as normal.
Stay vigilant out there folks, there are some seriously desperate & sad individuals around, willing to commit pointless crimes for whatever reason or kick they seem to get out of it.