'Treasure hunter' who dug holes in Rugby Council sport pitches wanted
- Published
About 100 holes have been dug in Rugby including about 60 at Whinfield Recreational Ground
A treasure hunter is being sought on suspicion of digging holes at council-owned football and cricket pitches in Warwickshire.
In the past week about 60 holes have been dug at Whinfield Recreational Ground and 40 at Featherbed Lane Recreation Ground in Rugby.
Rugby Borough Council said it had been forced to close the pitches because they were unsafe to play on.
Witnesses saw a man with a metal detector digging the holes, it said.
Colin Horton, the council's green spaces officer, said the offender did not have permission to dig up the pitches.
"This is criminal damage that has caused extra expense and inconvenience to residents and to the football teams," he said.
Councillor Mark Williams said: "Inconsiderate and criminal behaviour from an individual cannot be allowed to inconvenience so many people without being punished."
A Warwickshire Police spokesman confirmed the damage had been reported to the force and it was keen to hear from anyone with information.