THE Mid-Devon Darts League has received a double blow – two of its treasured trophies have been nicked.
One is a wooden shield presented two years ago by the Claycutters Arms, Chudleigh Knighton, in memory of dart player Dave Clatworthy, for the highest shootout in the league.
The other trophy, between 30 and 40 years old, is 18ins or so high and engraved Mid-Devon Darts League A League runners-up on its base, with a list of the names of previous winners.
They are due to be presented at the league's annual finals night on Friday, May 29, at the Keyberry Hotel.
Ironically, the two trophies were being returned by a representative of the Claycutters' darts team and delivered to secretary Chris Raes' home in Netley Road, Newton Abbot, about noon on Friday last week.
Mr Raes was out and the caller went round to the rear of the house and placed the trophies in a storage box.
'I was informed later that evening that the trophies had been dropped off, but when I looked for them they had gone.
'I am really annoyed. The A league trophy is part of the history of the league and the shield was given in memory of a dart player who we all miss,' he said, adding that if anyone knew of the two trophies' whereabouts he could be contacted on 07905 603816.
Anyone who saw anybody acting suspiciously in the Netley Road area on Friday, or who has any information as to who is responsible for the theft, is asked to contact Newton Abbot police, quoting the crime reference JN/09/1062.
'If the guilty party has a conscience they could drop them off anonymously at either Newton Abbot police station or the Newton Abbot Royal British Legion in Marsh Road,' said Mr Raes.