UPDATE: Turf theft has Hockey Association fuming

Police have located the stolen turf.

No arrests at this stage, however several people are assisting police with their investigations.

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Parkes’ synthetic hockey field was the brunt of a disgraceful act when unknown persons cut a section out of the surface last Friday night.

The large section of missing turf was discovered when junior hockey started last Saturday morning.

The thieves are believed to have gained access to the secured field by climbing the fence before cutting a 1.8 metre wide and 2.3 metre long section out of the surface at the Baker Street end of the field.

They also cut a large section of rubber belting off a nearby fence.

The field was resurfaced in 2012 at a cost of $406,000 and a $1.26 million second field is to be completed for the beginning of next season.

Executive Director of Parkes Hockey Graeme Thompson was fuming at the theft.

“A lot of dedicated people worked hard so Parkes could have a world class field to play on, and this theft shows a real disdain for their efforts,” Thompson said.

“Parkes has a very strong hockey tradition which these thieves obviously care nothing about.

“But we will not let this interfere with one of Parkes’ premier sports.

“We will look to patch this up and continue providing an excellent playing surface for all of Parkes’ hockey players.

“It is a real shame that these incidents occur,” he said.