A CONMAN is targeting West Somerset sports teams and stealing their property, Minehead police warned this week.

They have told sports clubs to be on their guard against a man who has stolen private possessions and valuables after claiming to look after them during a game.

A police spokesman said: "His method is to greet visiting teams, purporting to be an official from the home club.

"Having gained their confidence he relieves them of their valuables on the pretext of looking after them during the game.

"Needless to say he cannot be found when the players attempt to retrieve their possessions."