mmg.com.au

A thief has ripped up a large chunk of synthetic turf at the RSL cricket nets.

The turf had only just been installed on October 26.

RSL West cricket players Scott Checkley, Tim Hillier and Brian King (pictured) say they have been left ‘‘disappointed’’ by the act.

The club had raised $600 for the turf.

Mr King and Mr Checkley went to the nets to mark lines on the turf on Wednesday night, and returned on Thursday to discover half of one side of the turf had been ripped off and stolen.

‘‘We’re disappointed that this has happened, it’s been down a week,’’ Mr King said.

‘‘We used funds from the cricket club, it’s for the under 16s, so the kids can use the facilities and improve, it’s just disappointing when this happens.

“There’s CCTV placed all around the RSL Club’s outdoor facilities, so we’ll be reviewing all of that to see what it shows up,’’ Mr King said.

‘‘We make a big effort improving the facilities and if this is going to happen every time it makes you think why bother?’’ Mr Checkley said.

The turf was taken between 8pm Wednesday and 5pm Thursday.

Police are appealing to the public for information on the matter.

Anyone with information should contact the station on 58812244 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.