Police have raised concerns that silver golf trophies are being stolen by criminals seeking to cash in on record metal prices, following a spate of break-ins at clubs across south east England. At least six raids have been reported in the past two months, with hundreds of trophies taken.
Investigators believe the same offenders may have previously stolen lead from church roofs and copper from railway lines before switching their attention to golf clubs. Det Sgt Lee Hazel of Surrey Police said: “As the price of metal has been going up, we have seen a rise in these types of offences. Silver is expensive, and that’s what’s been targeted predominantly.”
Among the affected venues is Hindhead Golf Club in Surrey, where intruders smashed a display case and stole most of its trophies just days before the club’s presentation night. Club secretary Carole Davison said she was “devastated” by the damage, adding: “The police arrived within three minutes of the alarm bells being sounded, but they’d gone.” Nearby Farnham Golf Club has also been hit.
BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss lamented the loss, noting the trophies held “great value” to clubs. He said it was a “great pity” they were being destroyed, and remarked that a trophy worth £100 would yield thieves only about £12 once melted down.
Police are investigating whether the burglaries are linked, with four reported in Surrey alone. Clubs have been urged to remain vigilant against further break-ins.
