Cricketers have been warned by police to be extra vigilant after an audacious thief snatched cash and valuables worth hundreds of pounds from a club in York.

Members of Rowntrees Cricket Club were targeted by a confidence trickster while playing at Clifton Alliance cricket ground, Shipton Road.

The man approached players offering to score and asked for a log book. He was given the keys to the changing rooms, which he later returned with thanks.

Hours later the team discovered that bags, clothes and wallets had been searched and more than £500 in cash, mobile phones and jewellery stolen.

Club captain Sean Marshall said an expensive watch given as a 21st birthday present was among items stolen.

He said: "I'm always stressing to the lads that they should never leave valuables in the changing rooms.

"I've been told this guy was there when we were batting and was chatting to the players. He seemed very knowledgeable about the game.

"He was obviously a really good con man, giving the impression that he was part of the furniture down at Clifton. Unfortunately, the Clifton players thought he was with us."

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said the frequency of thefts such as this from sports facilities increased during the summer season.

He said players should always be vigilant of people acting suspiciously and secure their valuables whenever necessary.

"Above all, sportsmen and women should avoid being a soft target for the opportunist thief," he said.

Albert Pattison, of York Senior Cricket League, said cricket clubs were vulnerable to sneak thieves, vandals and burglars.

He said: "Clubs have to be very careful and know who people are. If there are strangers hanging around, players should not be afraid to ask who they are.

"If people are genuine supporters or players, they will not be offended by being asked. Cricket clubs are very vulnerable to this type of sneak thief."

Updated: 08:40 Tuesday, June 10, 2003