KEEN archers have warned stolen bows and arrows could be dangerous in the wrong hands.

Members of the Droitwich Archery Society were left 'distressed' after a recent break-in saw thieves steal numerous bows and arrows from the club's grounds.

Chairman of the club, Peter Sargent, has since issued a warning to anyone who may consider using or purchasing the bows.

He said: "This equipment is only meant to be used by persons who are trained or under supervision of a qualified coach.

"This equipment is very dangerous and has the capability to seriously injure someone when used incorrectly."

The burglary of the club's facility, based just outside of Hanbury, took place over two nights from August 16 to August 17.

Club members first noticed that during the evening of the August 16, padlocks had been cut and a key safe ripped from the wall with the key inside.

Despite replacing the locks, the audacious criminals returned the next evening, again cutting the padlocks and forcing entry to three equipment containers.

Connect Bromsgrove, a community and day-care centre, who also use the facilities, later discovered that a number of bows and dozens of arrows had been stolen.

"This is clearly an upsetting incident for the club,” Mr Sargent added.

"We have managed to keep going throughout lockdown and continue to provide services for the local community including Connect Bromsgrove, but this will be a significant financial blow for our organisation."

The club has appealed for anyone with any information to contact either themselves at info@droitwicharchery.co.uk, or the West Mercia police, using the incident number: 00172_I_18082021.