[graciegirl]

Golf Club thefts in The Villages.

Villages residents reported two incidents of golf club theft Monday afternoon, according to Sumter County Sheriff's Office officials.

According to Lt. Bobby Caruthers, spokesman for the agency, the first incident was reported at Lake Sumter Landing, where the owner of two sets of golf clubs parked at a restaurant aroung noon. Caruthers said the man went to eat and when he returned at approximately 1:15 his clubs had been stolen by an unidentified subject.

He said one set, which was made by Callaway brand woods and a Ping driver in a black and gray bag, was valued at $2,700. The second set, made up of Cobra brand clubs in a blue and gray bag was valued at approximately $1,700. Caruthers said.

In the second incident, a man told deputies two sets of clubs were stolen at abut 2 p.m. from the parking lot at Southern Trace Shopping Center when he was inside a store for about 20 minutes. Caruthers said.

In that case, Caruthers said the first set of clubs, valued at about $1,200 included a set of Wilson brand clubs and a Callaway driver in a bag with the Cincinnati Bengals logo on it. The second set included Taylormade clubs valued at $1,300. Caruthers said.

Caruther warned resident not to leave valuables unattended on their golf carts and to store items like golf clubs at home after a round of golf.

Investigation into the cases is continuing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at 793.0222 or the Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-8477.