Sledgehammer wielding thieves raid Thatcham shop

Three men armed with sledgehammers stole £20,000 worth of goods from The American Golf Discount Centre

SLEDGEHAMMER wielding thieves stole £20,000 worth of goods from a Thatcham shop in the early hours of yesterday morning (Friday, April 8).

At about 5am, three men armed with sledgehammers smashed their way through a side wall to gain access to The American Golf Discount Centre.

Once inside, the men stole a large number of golf clubs and equipment before making off.

The Bath Road store's manager, Mike Stone, said he had been alerted to the break in when contacted by police who informed him that the shop alarm had been triggered.

He said it looked like the robbers had burst their way into the shop and added that a lot of thought must have gone in to the raid.

Mr Stone said that the weekend should have been a busy one for the shop as coverage of The Masters golf tournament always brought in extra trade into the Bath Road store and

added that the robbers had stolen white drivers – one of the most sought after clubs at the moment.

"They have stolen all of the white drivers and unfortunately we are not going to get that stock back in time,” he said, adding "They took the stuff that people will want."

"I'm pretty upset and sad that someone in the community would do that."

Thames Valley Police case investigator, Alice Ashman from Newbury CID, said: “We would like to speak with anyone with information about the burglary, however big or small, or anyone who has been offered golfing irons, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact the police non-emergency number 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.