GOLF clubs worth up to £30,000 were stolen in a raid.

In what is thought be a professional raid, a team of four hooded men forced entry into the golf shop at Wrag Barn Golf Club, Highworth, and stripped all of the clubs from the racks before driving away.

The haul included top names in golfing equipment such as Cobra, Callaway and Titleist.

Golf professional Barry Loughrey said: "Whoever carried out this raid certainly knew what they were doing. They did not spend time looking around they went straight for the clubs.

"I would suspect that the people involved would have some knowledge of the trade because they struck at the right time of year, just before the beginning of the golfing season, when they knew we would be getting in all our latest stock for the new season."

He explained that two people living in a flat above the shop witnessed the break-in on Tuesday evening and called out of a window at the offenders.

He said: "They did not bat an eyelid, and I am pleased that the people living there did the sensible thing and did not get involved. Far better to lose property than for someone to get hurt."

The theft follows a similar theft of golf equipment at the Ogbourne Downs Golf Club on February 22 when equipment valued at £18,000 was taken. On that occasion, the theft followed a similar pattern, with thieves breaking into the golf shop in the evening and seeking out the most expensive gear including TaylorMade and Titleist clubs and an electric trolley.

CCTV footage has been given to Swindon police who are investigating the incident.

Anyone with information about the theft should contact Swindon police on 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.