A HOLE-in-the-wall gang is believed to have stolen golfing equipment worth up to £50,000 after breaking in to a Chandler's Ford golf store by knocking down an internal wall from the shop next door.

The gang struck on Friday night at Nevada Bobs Golf Shop at the Chestnut Avenue Retail Park.

It is believed intruders smashed a double-glazed window to break into the unit next door where they ransacked the premises before breaking through an interior wall into a safe area in Nevada Bobs.

An Eastleigh police spokesman confirmed a large amount of golfing equipment had been stolen in the raid.

She said: "At the moment we haven't had an inventory sent to us. But it is various woods, irons and golf clubs of various makes, possibly about £20,000 worth of goods."

The spokesman refused to say how the gang got into the golf shop, but confirmed that intruders had smashed their way into the building.

But she added: "We need to know if there were any witnesses or anyone who saw

anything suspicious throughout that night."

Police, who say they do not know how long the gang were in the building, are also appealing for information about anyone selling brand new golfing equipment on the cheap.

Shop manager Giles Downer said: "They got in through the wall and drilled open the safe but we don't keep money in it.

"So instead they made off with about £50,000 worth of stock. Hundreds of golf clubs were taken."

Cobra SZ 400440 drivers, Yonex irons, Calloway BB04 irons and Yonex Cyberstar drivers were among the main items taken.

Mr Downer added: "If anyone is being offered these items cheaply then the police would be very interested to hear about it.

"We've not had a break-in for two years but I do think it's quite amusing that the thieves went to all that trouble to try and get into the safe and there was nothing in it - we don't keep money on the site."

Anyone who can help police with their inquiries is asked to contact the burglary unit at Eastleigh police station on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.