'We’re absolutely gutted' – Cricket club fleeced of equipment worth thousands

A storage unit at Armitage Cricket Club, which has been going since the 1970s, was raided on Friday night and was only discovered by passing dog walkers who noticed the door left open the following morning.

The culprits stole a ride-on lawn mower which the club only purchased in April for £2,000, as well as a self-propelled mower and two petrol-powered strimmers worth hundreds of pounds each.

Members have now launched an urgent fundraising campaign to replace the equipment as quickly as possible with residents urged to support an open day at the Westfields Road-based ground, in Rugeley, later this month.

Club secretary Richard Harris said: "It feels like I have been burgled myself. A lot of people have worked really hard for this club over the years to improve it and we have been getting somewhere. The facilities were coming forward we bought the new mower in April.

"So it is heartbreaking for something like this to happen.

"You don't expect it in a village like this."

He added: "Without that sort of equipment we can't function. We haven't got massive resources. We have looked to try and improve the facilities and now we are having to replace what we had.

"We will be okay, but we have started fundraising now to try and raise the money as quick as possible."

While club treasurer Sandra Malkin said: "We are absolutely gutted.

"Unfortunately we have got no security and we weren't insured on the things inside the buildings, a local company has offered to come and fit CCTV for us now which will be a massive help."

Staffordshire Police has appealed for information on the incident.

PCSO Liam Kelly said: "There has been a recent break in at Armitage Cricket Club where a number of high value items have been stolen.

"This is a community funded club who have worked hard to raise money for the equipment.

"Among the items taken were a Murray ride-on mower, Mountfield self-propelled petrol push mower and two Stihl petrol strimmers.

"If you have any information regarding these or the incident please call us on 101."

The club has around 30 players who make up two teams competing in the Staffordshire Club Championship.

An open day featuring a friendly cricket contest along with entertainment for all ages will take place on Sunday, August 27.