A SHOP was left looking “like a bomb had gone off” after thieves raided a golf range, taking a safe and two cash tills.

The Pro Store at Stokesley Golf Range was left in ruins after burglars in a black 4x4 targeted the store on Thursday night, January 11.

Manager Steve Sample said a heavy shop safe was taken, along with computers, printers and two cash tills. The shop counter was pulled out and electrical wiring was damaged as the heavy objects were torn from the walls.

The shop was in the process of being redecorated and tins of paints were also knocked over, spilling across the carpets.

“It’s like a bomb has gone off,” said Steve, who came across the devastation at 5am on Thursday.

“It’s terrible. It’s almost as though someone vandalised the place. It wasn’t a typical break-in,” he said.

It is the third golf club to be raided in North Yorkshire and the North-East in recent days.

Raiders hit Stokesley three days after Saltburn Golf Club was targeted, at about 10pm on Monday, January 8, when a large quantity of golf equipment was taken.

Cleveland Police said four suspects, all wearing dark clothing, approached the premises in a black 4x4 vehicle before making off in the direction of Four Land Ends crossroads, near to the A174.

There are unconfirmed reports there was a police pursuit of the vehicle which had to be called off on safety grounds.

Knaresborough Golf Club, on Boroughbridge Road in the town was burgled between 8.30pm on Friday, January 5 and 8.45am on Saturday, January 6, when two racing green Yamaha Exgo H golf buggies were stolen.

North Yorkshire Police say Stokesley Golf Range, just off the A172 on the outskirts of the town, was burgled between 11.36pm and 11.44pm on Thursday, January 11.

A spokesperson said: “A safe was forcibly removed from the shop at Stokesley Golf Range and extensive damages was caused inside the building. It happened between 11.36pm and 11.44pm on 11 January 2018.

“Enquiries are ongoing to trace the suspects.”

Anyone with information is urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Please quote reference number 12180006251 when providing details about the Stokesley incident.