Sports clubs in Suffolk are being warned to be extra vigilant after a cricket club was broken in the second high value break-in inside a month.
The groundsman's shed at Sudbury Cricket Club was broken into sometime between 9am on Friday and 9am on Saturday and a John Deere ride-on lawnmower and small wood trailer was stolen.
Chairman of the cricket club Louis Brooks said: "I was very saddened to hear of the break in at the cricket club equipment store.
"We are a community club that works so hard under tight budgets to provide a great place for local people to enjoy sport.
"Budgets are always tight and to have to deal with this a real kick in the teeth for us.
"It's just sad that people want to do this to clubs that support the community.
"Lets hope this doesn't happen to other local clubs. If anyone did see or hear anything please do get in touch with the police."
A spokesman for Suffolk police said officers are investigating the incident.
It comes after £40,000 worth of equipment was stolen from Stowupland Bowls Club.
Although it is unsure if the two are linked, Sergeant Chris Green, of the Rural Crime and Wildlife Team at Suffolk police, has warned business and residential properties to review security measures and "stay vigilant to suspicious behaviour."
He said: "The bowls club has a large membership and I have no doubt that this is going to a real impact on that community and the club members with much distress caused."
Police believe the burglary at Stowupland bowls club could be linked to a burglary which took place in the village of Semer between October 5 and October 6.
The value of items stolen from a house in the village totalled £30,000. Suffolk police believe it is "very likely" to have been a planned burglary, with offenders having prior knowledge of the items.
Anyone with any information in regards to the Sudbury Cricket and Hockey Club break-in should contact Suffolk police quoting the crime reference number 37/61230/24.
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