Kubota tractor and Bateson trailer stolen from Fakenham Town Football Club pitch as police appeal for CCTV footage

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward after a groundsman’s tractor and trailer were stolen last week.

Officers have asked for dash-cam/CCTV footage from the Clipbush Park area in Fakenham, from where Chris Cracknell’s equipment were taken overnight on Wednesday/Thursday.

Chris, who has worked on Fakenham Town Football Club’s pitch for more than 10 years, told the Lynn News that his livelihood had been stolen from him.

“The equipment had the best lock you could possibly buy but someone came with a battery grinder at night and grinded it completely off,” he said.

“It’s been a nightmare.”

A friend of Chris’ has set up a JustGiving page to help raise funds to hire machinery until it is hoped the tractor is found.

So far, more than £680 has been raised out of the £1,000 target.

Chris has described how grateful he is for the generosity.

“My phone didn’t stop last night, so many people were showing their concern,” said Chris.

“My son asked if I was alright the other day, and I just broke down crying.”

Police are investigating after the red and orange Kubota L3540 Tractor with ‘TH Groundcare’ branding on the side was taken from the site along with a yellow and orange Vredo Diskseeder, and a three-wheeled Bateson trailer.

The equipment is believed to have been taken during the hours of darkness, sometime between 11.49pm on Wednesday and 1.22am on Thursday.

Anyone with information, or dash cam/CCTV footage from the area at the time is asked to contact PC Thomas Walsh at Fakenham Police Station, on 101, quoting crime reference number 36/35617/23.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.