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Volunteer-led South West sports groups targeted by thieves for equipment worth thousands of pounds
For volunteers at sports teams that sit in the heart of the community, it was a shock to turn up to the pitch one morning and find their mowing equipment had been stolen.
On 11 June, a white van was caught on CCTV speeding away from Roche Cricket Club in the early hours of the morning.
One hour later, a white van was seen fleeing from St Stephen AFC, just six miles away from Roche Cricket Club.
Later that morning, both clubs discovered their moving equipment had been taken.
But they aren't alone - there has been a string of burglaries at sports clubs across Devon and Cornwall, and in each case, it's moving machinery that has gone.
Torridgeside AFC was targeted in March and have since had to cancel their matches and training session because the grass is so long.
Torridgeside AFC are fundraising for a new mower.
Which clubs have been targeted?
Since March at least eight sports clubs have been targeted.
21 March - Torridgeside AFC had a lawnmower stolen
23 March - Winkleigh FC had a ride on Mower stolen
20 April - Ottery St Mary FC had a tractor stolen
24 April - Padstow FC. Their tractor, mowers and other equipment were taken
20 May - Launceston FC's tractor was stolen
10 June - Roche Cricket Club had their mower taken
10 June - St Stephen FC tractor
16 June - Crediton FC two tractors stolen
What does it mean for insurance?
The sports clubs we've spoken to are all covered by insurance, however they are concerned that their premiums will now go up because of the thefts.
Everything is fundraised, so if the insurance companies don't pay out, the clubs won't be able to replace the kit.
The chairman of St Stephen AFC said it would take years to fundraise the money to buy a new one.
Torridgeside AFC's mower was insured but say the cover of the insurance is 'nowhere near the cost of a new mower'. They've now set up a fundraising page.
What is the financial impact on the clubs that have been targeted?
For clubs like St Stephen AFC they were able to purchase a Kabuta tractor because of financial help from the football foundation and Cornwall FA.
These clubs are all volunteer led, so outside funding is vital for them.
How can sports teams protect themselves from burglaries?
Devon and Cornwall Police say it is working with regional cricket and football authorities on a joint project to deter thieves through the forensic marking of property stored within sheds and garages.
Clubs that have been targeted are encouraging other grassroots clubs to ramp up their security.
Paul T from Roche Cricket Club said: "Keep your eyes open, anything suspicious report it. I've been involved with this club for 40 years and never had this so make sure things are secure."
Devon and Cornwall Police: "We are investigating a number of reports of burglaries at sports clubs in the force area.
"Devon and Cornwall take this type of invasive and upsetting crime very seriously. We work hard to ensure that all cases of burglary are thoroughly investigated.
"We would always encourage such incidents to be reported to us, so enquiries can be carried out.
"We also offer advise clubs to register property with Immobolise, the UK national property register, upgrade locks and ensure security lighting works in conjunction with good quality CCTV and alarm systems.
"We are also working on a joint project with regional cricket and football authorities which will aim to deter thieves through the forensic marking of property stored within sheds and garages.
"Clubs should contact their sport’s relevant administrators for more details."