A golf club has appealed for the return of its historic trophies after they were stolen during a late-night break-in.
West Malling Golf Club is offering a £5,000 reward after trophies linked to decades of competitions were taken on Friday night between 10.55pm and 11pm.
Club representative Kate Brett said CCTV footage shows three people allegedly arriving in a car from the main road, driving through a hedge and entering the car park before targeting the rear of the clubhouse.
“They came in through the hedge from the main road in a car, went into the car park and straight to the back of the clubhouse,” she told KentOnline.
“They used a crowbar to smash through the glass doors and force their way inside.”
CCTV images show three individuals allegedly breaking into the trophy cupboard and removing all of the club’s legacy trophies. Nothing else inside the clubhouse is believed to have been disturbed.
“They came straight in for the trophy cupboard and then left the same way they came in,” Ms Brett said.
The break-in was discovered after the club’s alarm was activated.
“CCTV footage is monitored remotely, allowing damage to be confirmed before police were called.
“I got the alarm notification and checked the cameras,” Ms Brett said.
“At first you think it might be a false alarm, but then I could see the glass had been smashed.
The stolen trophies include items awarded in annual competitions, some of which have been running for more than 50 years.
Many are engraved with the names of past winners.
“These trophies are our heritage,” Ms Brett said.
“They have people’s names on them going back years. That history has been taken.”
“We just want them back”
While some trophies are silver or silver-plated, she said their value is largely sentimental.
“There is some value, but probably not what the thieves thought,” she said.
Ms Brett said the club is urging anyone who has information, or who may recognise the individuals shown in CCTV images, to come forward so the trophies can be returned.
Kent Police has been contacted for more information.
