Golf clubs across Oxfordshire are being targeted by gangs who force their way into equipment shops to steal high-value equipment.

Clubs and 'pro-shops' have warned they will struggle to get insurance next year as a result of the crimewave, which has included a robbery, break-ins and ram-raids.

Waterstock Golf Club, near Wheatley, was ram-raided at about 1.15am on June 26 using a stolen van.

The club said it had been targeted five times in the past seven months, costing about £40,000, and it could no longer get insurance for theft.

Police said they were also investigating two incidents at Frilford Heath Golf Club, near Abingdon, two at Chipping Norton Golf Club, and one at Bicester Golf and Country Club in Chesterton.

In February an assistant club professional was tied up and threatened with a knife in a robbery at Drayton Park Golf Club, near Abingdon.

Waterstock club secretary Andrew Wyatt said: "It's not bad enough to put us in financial jeopardy, but it holds the club back and hampers further development."

He called on councillors in charge of planning to be sympathetic to clubs' security needs, such as increased lighting.

Christine Morby, who runs the shop at Drayton Park Golf Club, near Abingdon, with her husband said insurance went up by 40 per cent in January.

"We are going to struggle to get insurance next year, all of us. It will end up where people can't run a business and there won't be shops on site any more."

She appealed to golfers not to buy stolen goods.

Thieves broke into the professional's shop at Chipping Norton Golf Club, Southcombe, and stole £10,000 of equipment on March 17.

An office was also burgled this year, costing the club about £2,000.

Club secretary Simon Chislett said: "If it continues at this level, I think insurance companies may require drastic action -- which may mean turning pro-shops into Fort Knox."

Police spokesman Victoria Bartlett said the incidents were not being linked at this stage.

Crime reduction officers have been in contact with golf clubs about boosting security.

Anyone with information on any of the thefts is urged to call police on 01865 266000 or Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.