Sports clubs across Devon and Cornwall are being urged to remain vigilant after two recent burglaries saw high-value machinery stolen from football clubs in the region.
Police say the first break-in occurred at Ogwell Football Club, where offenders forced entry to a storage area between 5pm on Friday 12 December and 9am on Saturday 13 December. An orange 2024 Kubota ride-on lawn mower and trailer, valued at approximately £30,000, was stolen.
A second incident took place at Bude Town Football Club, where a lock-up was accessed between 9.20pm on Saturday 13 December and 10am the following morning. A New Holland Boomer 25 Compact tractor, worth around £16,500, was taken during the burglary.
The stolen tractor has the serial number LSMB25CRALLA10113 and registration WJ70 UPB.
Devon and Cornwall Police say the incidents form part of a wider pattern of thefts targeting sports clubs in recent months.
PC Neil Sommerfeld said:
“These burglaries are the latest in a series of break-ins targeting sports clubs in Devon and Cornwall over recent months.
“Sports clubs are a focal point of their local communities and often rely on the hard work of volunteers to survive.
“Targeting sports clubs shows no regard for the players, volunteers, supporters and coaches at these clubs.
“We are asking clubs to ensure storage areas are secured and monitored. We will continue to investigate any such offences reported to us.”
Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or has relevant information or CCTV footage to come forward.
Anyone with information relating to the Ogwell Football Club theft is asked to quote reference 50250318380, while information relating to the Bude Town Football Club incident should quote 50250320306.
Reports can be made by calling 101 or via the Devon and Cornwall Police website.
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