All Clubs are advised to beware of a player scam this season...
Report received from Hon Secretary, Fuller's Brewery Surrey County League
In Surrey a new player had got in touch with a club by email asking to play, and was selected for a Sunday game. He came to the club on the Saturday to watch and helped with teas. He clearly had a background in cricket. During the game, two players had cash taken and a car was stolen. On investigation, a number of other concerns were highlighted, including the fact that the 'new player' had offered to collect the valuables of the opposition, and had at one stage locked himself into a dressing room.
At the end of the game, this 'new player' was nowhere to be seen, and has not been contactable since.
This prime suspect is aged around 30, is about 5ft 9 inches in height, and has a scar under his left eye. He is of 'mixed race'background, of an 'afro/american' rather than 'sub-continental asian' appearance, and speaks with a 'London' accent.
The club was concerned that the person may strike again at another local club - AND HE HAS !!
This time the suspect contacted another Surrey club, looking to join, and once again keys, money, ipads and a car were stolen.
At the beginning of a season, clubs are vulnerable, as even 'home' players may think that someone that they do not recognise who is linking himself to the club is a newly joined player. His knowledge of the 'home' players, gained from internet research, helps him to blend in, without drawing attention.
Clubs are asked to be especially vigilant at the beginning of the season about potential 'new players' who may have casually approached them looking to join.