WHILE thieves are breaking into cars parked at some golf clubs and stealing expensive equipment, other clubs are successfully curbing car park crime.

Seven cars have been broken into and one has been stolen from Northwich's Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club over the past few months, with thousands of pounds' worth of golf clubs taken. Frodsham Golf Club has also been hit.

But clubs like Mere Golf and Country Club and Worsley Golf Club, have barriers operated by swiping a membership card, which seem to have deterred the thieves.

Golf pro Dean Mogford of Vale Royal said: "Everyone is suspicious of anyone in the car park now. Word has got round and people are asking more questions.

"The thieves mainly strike at night when it is getting dark as people are getting something to eat. It is quite lucrative for them because clubs cost between £2,000 and £4,000 a set."

Cheshire police are warning golfers to be wary and not to leave equipment on show in their cars.

Lighting

Officers are stepping up patrols and using automatic numberplate recognition systems to track criminals on the roads.

Det Insp Andrew Southcott said: "We would ask golf club owners to look at their access routes to their clubs. By installing key card facilities on their gates, CCTV systems at key locations and better lighting, they could dramatically cut the amount of thefts.

"Similarly, golfers need to take better care of their equipment, or risk losing it.

"Never leave expensive golf clubs or equipment on display, park in a well-lit area and always keep car keys on you. We are appealing to anyone who is approached by someone they believe may be trying to sell stolen golf equipment to get in touch with Northwich CID or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

A spokesman at Mere Golf and Country Club said they had been warned about the problems elsewhere and had been issued with the registration number of a blue van to look out for.

No clubs in the Manchester area have been hit, police said. Worsley Golf Club confirmed it had had no thefts.