Silent Crime round-up: Cricket club 'devastated' by break-in; 'childish' driver banned from road; man charged after spate of break-ins

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A cricket club near Dudley has said that they are “devastated” after machinery was “stolen” and a garage door was destroyed”, according to the Express & Star.

The damage is said to have been done during an alleged break-in at the Himley Cricket Club on Sunday evening. The machinery takes had a value of around £5,000 and is a “key” part of allowing the club’s summer matches to take place, according to a spokesman.

They said: "Everyone is devastated about the break-in at the club on Sunday evening. Sadly these kinds of theft are all too common, and they hit local sports clubs like really hard.” Himley Cricket Club has warned other clubs in the area to “be vigilant”.

A balaclava-clad biker has been banned from the road over “childish antics” in South Shields.

The Shields Gazette reports that Casey Cook, 20, has been handed a 12-month ban with a warning that if he re-offends, he could face jail. Cook is said to have sped illegally through a park and on roads.

The young man was reportedly spotted by police riding the Lexmoto Assault Bike recklessly between West Harton and the seafront on August 24 and the following day. He was then caught when he powered the bike behind an anti-social behaviour officer in South Marine Park, with the officer tipping of police.

He pleaded guilty to charges of careless driving, driving without insurance and a licence, driving in a park and not wearing protective headwear. Judge Passfield told Cook: “You’re 20-years-old. This is the kind of behaviour I would see in court from people who are 14 or 15.”

A man has been charged in connection with a strong of break-ins across the Lothian, as reported by Edinburgh Evening News.

The 26-year-old man was charged after 13 separate incidents, including house and break-ins and car thefts, across Tranent, Prestonpans, Galashiels, Selkirk, Livingston, Gorebridge and Stow, between Friday, September 6 and Thursday, October 10.

Detective Inspector Debbie Duncan said: “Crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the victims, causing them to question the safety and security of their own homes, and I would like to commend the work of the officers investigating this crime series.

“I would also like to thank the various local communities for their assistance with our enquiries to date and reassure the public that any reports of criminality will be investigated thoroughly by Police Scotland.”