CRICKETERS were left dismayed after their heavily secured generator worth thousands of pounds, was stolen – for the fifth time.


Members of Lechlade Cricket Club, Faringdon Road, are appealing for support after the generator was wrenched from the floor it was bolted to by the offenders, who also snapped a safety chain and escaped through solid steel doors.


The burglars are believed to have first visited the club on Friday, May 8, causing damage to the ceiling but not stealing anything. It appears they returned on the night of Tuesday, May 19, taking the large seven kilowatt generator worth £2,000.


Over the past four years the club has had four other generators stolen. They are now looking at buying a generator worth £7,000 that they hope will be too heavy to steal.


“We keep getting heavier and heavier generators and securing them better, but if someone is really committed nothing will stop them,” said club chairman Nigel Pearce.


The club is in the West of England Premier Two division and losing the generator can have serious repercussions, as league rules demand teams provide shower facilities and lights in the changing rooms.


“We have been very fortunate that our president Adrian Sweetfuels has been so generous,” Nigel said. “He’s hired a generator and has been bringing it in and taking it away, but it’s not a long-term solution.”


The club is appealing for help in raising money for a new generator. They are holding a race night on June 26 as well as a raffle with prizes including a bat from England cricketer Gary Ballance.


To support Lechlade Cricket Club, visit lechlade.play-cricket.com.


Anyone with information on the incident should call police on 101.