Vandals pour diesel over golf course greens leaving bill of £70,000
A golf club has been hit with a £70,000 bill after vandals poured diesel across the course’s greens in a pre-meditated incident.
Detectives are investigating the incident at Boldon Golf Club which has resulted in several greens being destroyed.
The pre-mediated act of vandalism happened overnight between January 22 and 23 and has left the club, which is currently closed due to Covid restrictions, with a bill of £70,000.
Northumbria Police says officers are continuing to follow various lines of enquiry in a bid to trace those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
A member of the club is also willing to offer a ‘substantial reward’ for any information given to police that leads to a successful prosecution.
Now the club and police have joined forces to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
A Boldon Golf Club spokesperson said: “These facilities are here for the enjoyment of the community so this is absolutely heartbreaking and has had a huge impact on the club.
“Clearly somebody has a grudge against the club but this must stop as it is affecting a huge amount of people, from everyone who uses our facilities to employees.
“We are supporting the police with their investigation and a member of the club is willing to offer a substantial reward for any information given to police that leads to a successful prosecution.”
PC David Lavery, of Northumbria Police, added: “This is an absolutely appalling crime that has caused a huge amount of upset and anguish.
“The golf club is a vital part of the local community and it is especially disappointing that this has happened at a time when the overwhelming majority of people in the North-East are pulling together and showing the spirit that this region is famed for.
“We are carrying various enquiries to make sure we identify the person responsible for this damage, and once we have, that individual can expect a knock on their door very soon.
“We will continue to use every tactic at our disposal and would ask anybody with any information to do the right thing and pick up the phone.”
Anyone with information should contact police online or by calling 101 quoting log 452 230121 or through independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.