POLICE believe the same thieves who struck at North Bradley FC’s changing room, stealing hundreds of pounds worth of personal belongings, targeted Westbury Rugby Club the same day.

Rugby players at the club in Wellhead Lane returned in high spirits after winning their match against Oakmeadians RFC to find their phones and money had been stolen from their changing rooms.

Westbury Rugby Club captain Chris Gillam said the team were “extremely upset” and “shocked” to find that their bags had been emptied.

Mr Gillam said: “Before the game we noticed that there was a car parked behind the club which we thought was unusual so we made a point of locking the home and away changing rooms.

“The changing rooms are 100 metres from the pitch and the only way they could have gained access is by getting in the tiny window at the back.”

On the same day, nine of the North Bradley FC players also had their phones, cash and jewellery stolen from their bags.

The rugby club is now considering installing CCTV and will be taking further steps to make sure the changing rooms and all the players’ belongings remain secure throughout matches.

The thefts took place on October 18 between 3pm and 4pm.

A spokesperson from Wiltshire police said: “Given the items stolen and the timescales in which they both took place, we believe that these two incidents are connected.”

A man also had personal belongings stolen from the changing rooms in Leighton Recreation Centre in Westbury on the same day between 2pm and 3pm but police are not currently linking this with the other thefts.

Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen an old-style green car that was parked close to the rugby club on Saturday afternoon.

Anyone who may have witnessed the burglary, or has any information about the car, should call Adele Owens at Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be left anonymously.