THIEVES broke into 15 cars at Chester FC’s Exacta Stadium while fans watched their team away from home.
Items worth hundreds of pounds were stolen during Chester’s win at local rivals Vauxhall Motors on Tuesday night.
A number of supporters had left their vehicles at the stadium and boarded a coach to Ellesmere Port, only to return to find their car windows smashed and items taken, including four satnavs.
Police called to Bumpers Lane at about 10.10pm are now investigating the incident and the club are examining CCTV footage from around the stadium to see whether they can identify the culprits.
Chester FC chief executive Pat Cluskey said: “We are obviously very disappointed by what has happened and we are currently examining the CCTV footage and will be passing on any information to Cheshire Police.
“It is commonplace for fans to leave their cars on the car park when using the away travel and it is the first time that any kind of problems have arisen as a result of this.
“These break-ins have obviously been planned to coincide with the Vauxhall Motors game.
“The ground is isolated and there is no passing footfall so this incident is a case of people looking for trouble.
“There was a Zumba class running on Tuesday evening which ended at around 8.30pm, so it looks like it has occurred between then and around 10pm, when fans returned to the ground.”
Sgt John Forshaw from Cheshire Police said: “Last night was an isolated incident which was clearly carried out by thieves who took advantage of a large number of cars being left unattended.
“We are currently reviewing club CCTV to identify the offenders, and have been making enquiries at other businesses to see if their CCTV or staff picked up on any suspicious activity in the area at the time.
"We would urge anyone with information to contact us so that we can locate the offenders and deal with them appropriately.
"While we continue with our enquiries, we would advise motorists that even if you have put your valuables out of view while you are away from you car, this will not stop a determined thief.
“Don’t leave valuables in your car and always ensure your vehicle is secure.”
Police are urging anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Bumpers Lane area on Tuesday night to contact Chester CID on 101 quoting incident number 1014 of October 30, 2012.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.