Prestigious golf clubs targeted in series of lockdown break-ins
Exclusive golf clubs suffered tens of thousands of pounds of loss and damage when they were targeted by raiders in pre-planned attacks during lockdown.
The Close House, Chesterle-Street and Ponteland golf courses came under attack in April last year when the country was in the grip of the first wave of the pandemic.
Newcastle Crown Court heard a gang used specially bought cars and vans to target the clubs and steal valuable merchandise, trophies and clothing.
The raids caused devastation during already troubled times.
Prosecutor Graham O'Sullivan told the court the Close House at Heddon on the Wall, Northumberland, came under attack on April 2, when theclubhousewasram-raided.
Around£16,000ofproperty was taken and £6,000 damage was caused.
MrO'Sullivanadded:"Intotal, an estimated £50,000 had to be spent on improved securitymeasuresandinsurances."
ThecourtheardChester-leStreet Golf Club was targeted three days later.
Mr O'Sullivan said: "Two men carried out the burglary, breaking into the club house and using a hammer to smash a trophy cabinet and take trophies."
The court heard the historic trophies were worth around £12,000 and many of the items had a sentimental value to the
club and its members.
Someofthemwerelaterrecovered from the River Wear.
Ponteland Golf Club was targeted on April 12.
Mr O'Sullivan said the raiders had bought a flat bed truck earlier that day and added: "It was reversed
into a wall of the golf shop, causing extensive damage, £20,000 in equipment and merchandise was taken.
"The damage caused was in excess of £5,000."
ThecourtheardJohnCroft, whowasoneoftheraiders,and another man were also seen acting "suspiciously" around Morpeth Golf Club but it was not burgled.
Croft, of no fixed address, whowasbroughtupinNewcastle and Jarrow, admitted conspiracy to burgle.
He also admitted dangerous driving in a Transit van in Newcastle, which he rammed into a police car and injured an officer.
Croft admitted blackmail and having an offensive weapon after he took a £50 taxi ride then told the driver he would not be paying, while armed with a knuckle duster.
And he pleaded guilty to twochargesofaffrayandoneof havinganoffensiveweaponafterheandhisbrotherGeoffrey Croft, 31, turned up at a house in Sunderland on April 28 last yearbecausethesiblingsaidhe was owed money.
The court heard the brothers were asked to leave by a woman who saw them outside the house but Mr O'Sullivan added:"Sheheardabangatthe door which then swung open and caught her foot.
"She had already stared placing a call to her father.
"The defendant John Croft tried to take her phone. He pulled her hair and grabbed her hand. She then called the police."
The court heard John Croft then picked up a knife before hisbrotherGeoffreyCrofttold him to "get the **** out" and both men left.
Geoffrey Croft, of Chaplin Street, Seaham, admitted two charges of affray.
Both will be sentenced next month. John Croft was remanded in custody and his brother was given bail.