RUGBY clubs in West Devon and East Cornwall are being warned of a thief who is targetting clubs and stealing players? valuables.

Paul Mearns, crime alert officer for Devon and Cornwall Police, said the thief impersonates a club official to gain players? confidence before stealing their valuables bag.

The thief is described as a white male, aged late 40s to early 50s, of thin to medium build, 5ft 10ins tall with receding, thinning fair-coloured hair. His face is described as craggy and he wears a tracksuit or sports clothing.

On arrival, he may greet arrivals before taking on duties such as carrying water or collecting clothing, and may pass around a note saying he is authorized to collect valuables, before disappearing with them.

Alternatively, he may pretend to have travelled with the away team and be part of the party.

So far the thief has successfully robbed players at Bodmin, Crediton and Bath. Police are confident he will stike again, probably this weekend.

Paul Mearns said all club officials and players should be particularly vigilant, and anyone who suspects they have spotted the thief should call 999 immediately and detain the suspect until police arrive.

The crime reference number is KC/03/183.