A substantial amount of money collected by the Eastern Counties Cricket Association has been stolen from a car in St David’s.

Police confirmed yesterday that “a large quantity of cash” had been taken from an unattended car parked near St David’s Primary School at about 8.30pm on Monday.

Authorities described the lone culprit as 6ft tall, of medium to stocky build, wearing black clothing and a black helmet. He fled on foot along Great Bay Road.

Sources linked to the club said the cash represented takings from the Eastern Counties Cricket Association spot sales for the coming season.

Sales for the entire season got under way on Monday, with yesterday reserved for individual games.

In a measure of what was at stake, organisers were charging $110 per game for a 10ft by 10ft spot, $160 for 14ft by 14ft and $210 for 20ft by 20ft spaces.

ECCA secretary Diallo Rabain, the Progressive Labour Party Senate leader, said in a statement today: “The Eastern County Family is especially saddened by this callous theft.

“Consequently, we would like for those who have purchased spots, and the general public, to know that the wrist bands that were stolen will not be accepted for admission to this year’s series.

“Anyone who has purchased a spot are asked to bring their wrist band allocations and their receipt from the spot sales to the Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club on July 11 between 1pm and 6pm to have them replaced. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by this unfortunate incident.

“Police are currently conducting an investigation into the matter and the Eastern County family urges anyone who may have any information to please contact the Bermuda Police Service.”

This year’s series is set for Lord’s Cricket Ground in St David’s for July 18, August 15 and August 29.

Witnesses to the theft, or anyone with possible information on the incident, are urged to get in touch with the Criminal Investigation Department on 295-0011.

Alternatively, the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline can be reached at 800-8477.