Cricket clubs urged to be vigilant after equipment theft | Stroud Times

CRICKET clubs throughout the county are once again being urged to be vigilant after Frocester had equipment stolen from their St Peter’s Field ground.

Wicket mowers were taken as well as a mechanical brush while an outfield mower and other items were damaged as the village club became the latest to be hit by thieves.

John Evans, the Frocester chair, said: “It’s heart breaking, there are no other words for it.

“We’re all volunteers, trying to run a club and provide cricket for members of all ages and abilities, and something like this hits us very hard.

“Our ground staff do such a good job for us, and they’re devastated.”

Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation chief executive Steve Silk added: “It’s an unfortunate fact of life that sports clubs are regularly targeted by thieves.

“It’s upsetting and disruptive on many levels because apart from losing expensive machinery which then has to be replaced, storage facilities are also often damaged in the process.

“We recommend that clubs do everything possible to make life as difficult as they can for potential criminals. Good security lighting, cameras, alarms and the disablement of equipment can slow down or dissuade burglars from even trying to break in.

“Clubs can also look at the way equipment is stored … make access to sheds, garages or containers as tricky as possible.

“And make it hard to move rollers or mowers by placing obstacles in the way. The extra time then needed to move heavy pieces of machinery can dissuade thieves.

“Also make sure you have a complete record of serial numbers and seriously consider adding security markings to equipment.

“And ask members and neighbours to be vigilant at all times to give your club the best chance to avoid falling prey to criminals.”