A GANG of thieves broke into three Kent golf courses and made off with thousands of pounds worth of clubs on consecutive days.

The criminals drove across the fairways in a car under the cover of darkness at the three courses, two in Medway and one in Gravesend, and forced their way into the club shops.

Then they grabbed thousands of pounds worth of top-of-the-range golf clubs and bags before fleeing Ð the whole operation taking no more than a few minutes.

Allhallows Golf Course was the first venue to be hit, followed on consecutive days by Southern Valley in Gravesend and Deangate Ridge in Hoo, near Strood.

It is believed that all three raids were carried out by the same gang, who are probably trying to sell the Hippo and Callaway bags and clubs on the black market.

At Allhallows, the thieves stole more than £7,000 worth of golf clubs and bags, including a £1,500 set belonging to the owner, Frank Mahon. Gravesend's Southern Valley Golf Course was targeted in an almost identical burglary. Again, nearly £10,000 worth of golf clubs and kit went missing as the thieves conducted a smash-and-grab raid.

At Deangate Ridge Golf Course the thieves took thousands of pounds worth of the best gear, including several drivers worth over £300 each.