CRIMINALS evaded the police by seconds in a robbery at a Kent golf club.

Thieves used the golf course as an escape route as they sped away with £17,000 worth of golfing equipment from Walmer & Kingsdown GC.

The getaway vehicle, believed to be a 4x4, deceived the incoming police by heading through the course and out of the fence they had smashed as they entered.

It is thought that two men, caught on the club shop CCTV, broke into the premises and passed a range of golf clubs and bags through a window to a third man, who stacked the valuables into a car.

By 10.04pm on Friday, August 18, the culprits had escaped, just as police were arriving at the scene.

Club pro Jude Read said: “The thieves must have been here before and planned the burglary. They knew the course layout very well. Their knowledge of the shop was good too. They headed straight for the most expensive equipment. “They knew there was only one main road in and out of the club, so they drove through the golf course and out of a back field.”

Among the equipment stolen were Callaway trolley bags and drivers, Ping golf clubs and specially-designed sunglasses.

If you have been offered golfing equipment or have any further information, call Dover police on 01304 240055.