Cricket Clubs Step Up Security After Spate Of Equipment Thefts

Village cricket clubs step up security after spate of equipment thefts: Police concede cuts to number of officers in rural areas make it difficult for them to protect cricket and other sporting clubs.

Cricket Clubs Step Up Security After Spate Of Equipment Thefts

Cricket clubs are being forced to invest in expensive security systems and face soaring insurance bills after a spate of thefts that is putting pressure on the grassroots game.

Organised gangs are being blamed for thefts of everything from groundskeeping equipment to alcohol – and even, in one bizarre case, a section of artificial pitch that the club believe was stolen to order.

Privately, police concede that cuts to the number of officers, particularly in rural areas, make it difficult for them to protect cricket and other sporting clubs.