Man makes off with a social club’s weekly meat raffle prize (From Wharfedale Observer)

Man makes off with a social club’s weekly meat raffle prize

9:31am Thursday 24th May 2012 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

A cheeky thief made off with a haul of meat after posing as a social club official picking up a raffle prize.

The thief, thought to be about 60, walked off with a hamper of steaks, lamb chops, pork, sausages, bacon and black pudding when he called into the butchers which supplies the weekly prize.

The con only came to light when genuine staff from Guiseley’s Hawkhill Social Club called in to Tony Wood’s butchers to collect the hamper.

Members of the social club say they have been shocked and stunned – but also amused – by the audacity of the opportunist thief.

A spokesman said club Steward Glynis Hartley and barmaid Karen Walton, always go to the butchers shop on a Saturday afternoon to pick up the hamper, but when they got there at the weekend they found it had already been collected.

“Both Glynis and Karen were a little taken aback as they hadn’t asked anyone to collect the meat for them as it this would be highly unusual as they are the only ones who are involved in the organisation of the raffle,” he said.

“At this point, perhaps thinking it was indeed a helpful club member saving them the trouble of picking up the meat, they returned to the club expecting that the meat would be delivered by the mystery helper.

“However as time wore on and upon quizzing many club members it suddenly dawned on everyone that an imposter had duped the butchers into believing he was a bona fide club member and made off with the meat feast.”

He said most members believe the opportunist must have known that the meat was collected around the same time each week.

Anyone with information about the thief, who had stocky build and grey hair, is ask to contact the Tony Wood’s or the social club.

Extra security measures have now been put in place to prevent a repeat of the theft.