An appeal has been launched after Bedale Sports Club and Community Centre was hit by thieves twice in a week.
The first incident in May saw thieves take grounds maintenance equipment.
Despite efforts to secure the premises, the thieves returned the following weekend, stealing a compact tractor with grass mower and severely damaging a triple mower, which was later found on the Wensleydale Railway line.
The club hoped the losses would be covered by insurance but their insurance company is refusing to pay out.
The club has spent more than £8,000 to replace and fix some items, and make the cub more secure.
But chairman Martyn Coombs said: “We still need to replace the compact tractor with grass mower, which leaves us £8,350 out of pocket and dangerously close to financial insolvency.”
He added: “Our club is a volunteer-run association that relies on membership fees, levies, and external events to operate.
“We are home to a thriving junior cricket section and a football development team, providing young players with opportunities to compete at various levels.
“The equipment used by our dedicated volunteer groundsman is crucial for maintaining top-notch playing facilities for cricket, football, and croquet.”
An appeal to raise £8,500 has been launched to recover the losses.
For more information and to donate, click here.
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