Police appeal after rugby club thefts

Officers revealed the incident happened on Saturday, where an offender conned his way into the away players’ changing area and stole property including bank cards, wallets, mobile phones, watches and cash.

He was extremely confident and even assisted the visiting team carrying training and physio equipment onto the playing area, which will have been witnessed by the crowd.

The thief is described as 50-60 years old, with grey shoulder-length wavy hair, wearing dark blue jeans and a brown jacket. He spoke with a northern accent.

Thieves have also targeted another Fylde coast rugby team.

Between 7pm and 8.45pm on March 18 an offender went into the changing rooms at Blackpool Rugby Club, Fleetwood Road, Bispham and stole three mobile phones and cash.

Det Insp Warren Atkinson, of Preston Police, said: “While we aren’t sure that these burglaries have been committed by the same person or group of people they do show some similarities and we would warn other sports clubs to be mindful of who they trust valuables to and also to check on their security, such as checking that they have working CCTV, or consider installing some if they don’t already have it.”

Police are appealing for anyone who recognises the description of the offender or who has any other information to get in touch by calling 101.