Sergeant Tony Woodbridge, of Oamaru, said various items were stolen from the Awamoa Bowling Club, including a Christmas hamper, frozen foods, an electric mop and a large speaker system with a total value of $1000 at the start of the month.
Sgt Woodbridge said when members of the bowling club found out they had been burgled they were appalled.
"The bowling club members are mainly retired people and volunteers — it’s just so wrong that they targeted this venue.
"It’s Christmas time and the goods given to them were taken — it’s pretty horrendous actually."
Sgt Woodbridge said all three alleged offenders had been arrested.
All the alleged offenders were from Oamaru, he said.
Police first arrested an 18-year-old and 43-year-old female, and then more recently arrested a 37-year-old male, he said.
"The theft is a slap in the face for the people at the club."
All three alleged offenders appeared in the Oamaru District Court this week charged with burglary.
The Awamoa Bowling Club is over 100 years old and has 52 members.
Club president Bob Kingan said members "were not impressed at all" by the burglary.
"It’s not a good thing. We are very upset and very concerned that people have helped themselves to our goods and assets.
"Along with the hamper they took a bundle of prizes that was also part of our general fundraising.
"They also stole incidentals like second-hand shoes, which was unbelievable really."
The club had taken all the precautionary measures it could against theft, he said.
Although it was lucky there was not "too much damage" he hoped this did not happen to any other clubs or residential homes.
Sergeant Blair Wilkinson, of Oamaru, said it was helpful to take further precautionary measures during the holidays.
"For any community organisations that won’t have people around over this period, or houses that won’t be occupied, be aware to not leave items of value lying around."
He said in any holiday break it was wise to have a key-holder or someone who could regularly check the property, and to install cameras or lighting to enhance the safety of the premises.
