They are accused of breaking into the town’s swimming, football and bowls clubs on Friday, smashing items and stealing property.

Police interviewed the pair on Monday. They have recovered a starter pistol, swimming club medals and shirts, and whiteboard markers.

Swimming club secretary Rob Smitts said contents had been strewn around the venue and items defaced, leaving volunteers to clean up the mess.

“We’re going to put extra measures in place for security,” he said.

“For a community-run club, it’s very disappointing some people think it’s great fun to go in there and create havoc.

Football club president Greg Lumby said the umpires’ room had borne the brunt of vandalism with about 100 bottles of water smashed against a wall, leaving water on the floor, and a window broken.

“Given the amount of work volunteers do to keep the grounds and club- rooms neat and tidy, it’s very disappointing to have someone come in with nothing better to do than make a mess,” he said. “It makes more work for the volunteers.”

One of the bowling club’s two greens was damaged. It has since been repaired.

Greenkeeper John Crossman said while bowls was played at the weekend, there had been no major competitions.

The boys have been charged with burglary, theft, criminal damage and trespass. They were also in possession of cannabis when arrested.

“It’s disappointing the boys have been damaging the facilities that the community used,” Leading Senior Constable Darren O’Neill said.

“A lot of work goes into the football club raising funds to put back into the club for the kids.

“It’s just a waste.”

The boys will appear before court at a later date.

Given the amount of work volunteers do to keep the grounds and clubrooms neat and tidy, it’s very disappointing to have someone come in with nothing better to do than make a mess.