IN recent months there has been a high number of reported burglaries targeting Sports Clubs across the South West and enquiries are ongoing nationwide.

You my have read the recent message in regard to the burglary at Honiton Golf Club where Police attended an Intruder Alarm at approximately 1.50am on Wednesday, August 27.

Devon and Cornwall Police Crime Prevention Team said that it is thought they were aiming for the trophies but thankfully the club do not keep them on site overnight.

A Team spokesperson added: “It is highly likely that the alarm also prevented the suspects from carrying out a further search throughout the building and stealing any equipment or shop goods.

“The outbuildings and storage containers at a majority of the sports clubs have been targeted and entered by force where ride on mowers and tractors have been stolen.

“We ask for sports clubs to please be vigilant and consider the following crime prevention advice:

• signage on any front gates warning that all outbuildings are alarmed and monitored

• remove trophies overnight if practicable

• make equipment and mowers traceable back to the club and difficult to sell on and display signage stating that it’s in place

• consider a drop-down bollard to prevent vehicles from being able to drive through the gate

• further signs on the buildings warning of monitored alarm system and all equipment is tagged and monitored

• monitored alarm system, linked to someone nearby and another as a back up

• approach any properties that might see activity during the hours of darkness – noticing vehicle lights etc – if they do spot any suspicious activity can they call for the police

• chain equipment together or anchor into the ground

• add a dealer fitted ignition isolator key or switch to any a tractor or machine.”

Further advice can be found via the Force website: Keep burglars out of your business | Crime prevention | Devon & Cornwall Police (https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-business-safe-from-crime/keep-burglars-out-business/ )

Anybody with any information, or relevant footage which may help the investigation, is asked to contact police via 101 or the Force website quoting occurrence number 50250222417.