Members of Stowupland Bowls Club left reeling after £40,000 worth of equipment stolen including lawnmowers and heavy machinery

Members of a bowls club in Suffolk have been left reeling after about £40,000 worth of equipment including lawnmowers, strimmers and other heavy machinery was stolen.

The incident was at some point between 2.30pm on Tuesday, October 22, and 9am on Wednesday, October 23, at Stowupland Bowls Club.

Entry was gained through the front gate by shearing off the padlock and the shed containing the equipment was broken into by shearing off the locks.

It is thought a wheelbarrow was likely used to transport some of the material over the green.

Michael Weir, 76, is a member of the team that looks after the green and said this is the first time an incident like this has happened at the club.

“We are currently discussing what’s happened and are trying to work out a way to recover from this as this is the first time something like this has happened here,” he said.

“We are shocked and very upset as we have worked hard over the years to build up this equipment.”

Sgt Chris Green, from the Rural Crime and Wildlife Team, said: “Our inquiries into the incident are on-going and we’d appeal for anyone who saw or heard any suspicious behaviour in the area to get in touch with us.

“We had a similar high value burglary at Semer earlier this month and we are linking these two incidents.

“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.”

“The clocks go back this weekend, meaning shorter days and more darkness so it is a timely opportunity to remind people with business and residential properties to review your security measures and stay vigilant to suspicious behaviour.”

Anyone who heard or saw any suspicious activity during the times stated, or knows the whereabouts of any of the items stolenis asked to contact Suffolk Police, quoting crime reference 37/60454/24 via the website.

Alternatively, email Colin.Taylor@suffolk.police.uk or call 101.