Leeds cricket club caught out by mower theft

Vice chairman Robert Hodson, left, and secretary Mark Shaw by the storeroom from where the mowers were stolen.

Officials at Horsforth’s Hall Park Cricket Club now fear the culprits could target other clubs in the area.

The equipment was taken on last night (Thursday) between 6pm and 6.30am this morning (Friday).

And the club, which celebrated its 125th birthday earlier this year, fear they could be forced to close if they are unable to replace the equipment.

Bob Hodson, a development official at the club, said: “It is going to affect us dramatically because they have stolen the equipment that we use to cut the grass and prepare the ground that we play on.

“I’ve had to try and see if I can borrow equipment from another club.

“It is a massive setback for us because even though we have insurance, it will take some time before we can replace the equipment.

“It is dreadful, if we can’t borrow equipment, then the field would be unusable and we wouldn’t be able to prepare.

“Looking at the damage that has been caused this was a professional job with specialist equipment.

“These guys are on the warpath now.

“There is a possibility that they will be targeting other clubs around this area.”

And it is not the first time the club has been a target for criminals.

Thieves broke in through the roof to gain access to lawn mowers a few years ago.

West Yorkshire Police have launched an appeal to traces witnesses.

Anyone with information should contact the Leeds District Neighbourhood Policing Team via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.