SPORTING clubs have become the latest victims of thieves who have been targeting rural areas over recent weeks.

Barnard Castle’s cricket club and rugby club were both broken into overnight on September 12.

Police are now urging all businesses and residents to remain vigilant following several residential burglaries last week in nearby villages, Gainford and Ingleton and further up the dale in Forest-in-Teesdale.

Sergeant Simon Rogers, of Barnard Castle Police, said a leaf blower had been taken from a storage shed at Barnard Castle Cricket Club while thieves broke into the main building at Barnard Castle Rugby Club and stole an empty till.

It is understood the thieves also got away with charity boxes but this could not be confirmed by the police.

Sgt Rogers said: “We are appealing for any witnesses but would also like to remind residents of Teesdale to be vigilant and to support anything suspicious.

“We also want to make sure people are securing their properties and outbuildings and use their alarms if they have them.

“For cars, owners should make sure they are locked and any property is removed. All these measures will make the criminals’ jobs harder.”

If you have any information call the police on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.