Boxing WA president ‘numb’ after thugs unwittingly steal $70k boxing ring from North Freo community centre

The president of WA’s amateur boxing body says he is “numb” and “disappointed” after a boxing ring was stolen from a North Fremantle community centre. Police allege two unknown men drove a ute into the Croatian Community Club — located at the corner of Stirling Highway and Alfred Road — and stole a 7m-long trailer containing a professional boxing ring, audio system and various boxing and sports equipment about 6pm on May 31. The value of the stolen items are estimated to be between $60,000 and $70,000. Boxing WA president Geoff Peterson said he believed the thugs stole the trailer unwittingly. “I don’t believe they’ve stolen it for the ring,” he told The West. “They’ve taken the whole trailer, but the trouble is, they wouldn’t have known what was inside because it’s fully locked up and you can’t get in. “I believe the trailer is going to be used (to transport) dirt bikes. “Somebody has got to have noticed, it’d be like driving a brand new red Ferrari around Broome.” Mr Peterson said he was disappointed by the thieves, but said he had received overwhelming community support. “I’m just disappointed that people can just go and steal something ... and it affects a lot of people,” he said. “I don’t think they realise (who they’ve impacted), and maybe they need to fess up and see the people that they have stolen from. “I just feel quite numb, how can people do this? “It’s very disappointing, but we’ve had great support from the boxing community and people outside the boxing community.” Incredibly, Mr Peterson said one company had even offered to buy him a brand new boxing ring. “It was pretty special, it was quite emotional for me, I was like, ‘are you serious?’ because you’re talking about $15,000 to $20,000,” he said. Mr Peterson is now offering the thugs a $1000 reward and a boxing lesson on the house. “Just give me a call and I’ll give them their first boxing lesson for free,” he said. “I believe in karma, it will come back to bite them.” Police have appealed to witnesses or anyone with information relating to this matter to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report details online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au