THIEVES who raided shipping containers in Silsden have cleaned out a Keighley company that maintains cricket grounds.

Burglars took at least £20,000 of specialist equipment used by Keighley-based JMS Sports UK to ensure pitches across the country are in tip-top condition.

They last night used cutting tools to break through the steel walls of 15 containers on land off Keighley Road near the River Aire bridge.

The raiders made off with a wide range of items, from hand tools and strimmers to large and expensive groundworks equipment such as ‘scarifiers’ and mowers.

Police this morning recovered two wheelbarrows dumped nearby and were investigating a trail of trampled grass leading away from the containers.

In recent weeks company director Jonathan Smith had been using the equipment to finish off work for several cricket clubs in time for the beginning of the playing season.

Mr Smith’s wife Carole today said “It’s going to affect our business because it’s going to put Jonathan out-of-work. They’ve taken every bit of equipment that we own.

“They’ve taken all the equipment we do the groundworks with, and it’s the start of the cricket season. He’s finished some of the work, but not everything.

“We’ve been trying to get the message to all local cricket clubs today about what’s been stolen.

“For those looking out for my gear, there are brand new Stihl FS360 strimmers, a climbing saw, Stihl backpack blower and a Honda generator.

“The more specialist stuff is a Royer shredder, Sisis trio rotorake and Sisis 600, and loads of smaller drills, handtools and Dewalt gear.”

Mrs Smith said the burglary happened between Sunday night at midnight and 5am on Monday morning.

She said said gas bottle was found outside with the containers, apparently used by the burglars to burn through a lock. At other containers, large holes had been cut through the steel walls.

Although JMS Sports UK has insurance, Mrs Smith said it was too early to know whether the full cost of the loss would be covered.

Keighley Police today said enquiries were continuing into the incident. Anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the police non-emergency number 101.