Vandals go on golf carts rampage across course

By Emma Christie

Published: 19/08/2008

Vandals stole three golf carts and used them to churn up greens, damage tees and snap flag poles at a north-east course.

The carts – two electric and one petrol – were then smashed into trees and dumped in various places around Craibstone Golf Centre near Aberdeen.

Last night clubhouse manager Eve Thomson said she was shocked by the incident, but revealed the club will soon be installing CCTV to help combat crime.

Miss Thomson said she was woken up early on Sunday when a member of staff called her to say the course had been “ruined” overnight.

The culprits had broken into a shed where the golf carts were stored, stolen three of the vehicles and driven all over the 18-hole course.

Miss Thomson said: “The carts had been driven round the course and quite a few flag poles have been broken. The 12th green was the worst. The trees there have all been rammed. It’s quite surprising because it’s so dark up here at night. It’s quite dangerous as well.”

She said the greenkeeper had been working overtime to get the course back in order and ensure it was playable.

The two electric carts were slightly damaged during the incident but the petrol one, which was recovered in the woods after a long search, has various parts missing and will cost more to repair.

Gates and fences were also damaged during the incident, between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

The club is waiting for the final assessment of the damage, but it is estimated it will cost several thousand pounds.

Miss Thomson said the golf centre had been targeted by vandals before and said the club had decided to instal CCTV inside and outside to help stamp out the problem.

“In this day and age you can’t really trust anybody,” she said.

Thieves also broke into cars on the Craibstone Estate on the same night, stealing a MP3 player and satellite navigation system.

Anyone with any information about the incidents is urged to contact police on 0845 600 5700, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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