THIEVES stole almost 100 leylandii trees from a Verwood golf club.

The trees were ripped up from the roots at the Crane Valley Golf Club between 10pm on Tuesday, May 14 and 5.45am on Wednesday, May 15.

The theft took place after 50 trees were stolen from Black Hill between May 10 and 14.

Andrew Blackwell, operations manager for Hoburne Golf, which includes Crane Valley, said 91 trees between 5ft and 7ft tall were stolen during the raid.

“It was certainly a bit of a shock to find 91 trees had been dug up and taken overnight,” he said.

“We planted more than 300 trees last October and lots of members and visitors had commented on how good they looked.

“Unfortunately, because of the weather we have been having, the ground would have been soft and although they had been in the ground for six months, the roots would still have been quite shallow.”

It is thought the value of the trees at the golf club is between £800 and £900.

Thieves gained access by using bolt cutters to get through the front gate.

To speak to Dorset Police about the theft, call 101 quoting incident number 15:53.