It's snatch point at Wimbledon

A TENNIS thief stealing from top players has struck at Wimbledon for the first time.

And bosses fear the bandit who has targeted 20 tournaments around the world could be a PLAYER or COACH.

Spanish coach Albert Costa had £1,700 in cash — along with $1,000 — swiped from his bag in a locker room at Wimbledon.

Former French Open champ Costa discovered the money missing just before his player, Feliciano Lopez, went on court to play Tim Henman on Thursday.

And French star Michael Llodra had his wallet pinched from the changing rooms at the South West London tournament.

The ATP, who run the men’s game, are hunting a player — or even a coach — after 20 raids at tournaments this year.

Frenchman Nicolas Mahut and Denmark’s Kenneth Carlsen both had property swiped during a Wimbledon qualifying at Roehampton.
An All England Club spokesman confirmed: “We will tell our staff within the locker room to be extra aware but it is very difficult as so many people are in the area. It is up to the player to inform the police.”

Last night a Met Police spokesman said: “We have had no allegations made to us.” One player said: “Everyone in the locker room is getting very concerned.

“This is ridiculous. We try to keep our belongings on us — but you can’t take your wallet into the shower.”

Sunsport revealed this week that Britain’s Jamie Murray, American Eric Butorac, Sweden’s Jonas Bjorkman, the Czech Republic’s Radek Stepanek and Frenchmen Paul-Henri Mathieu, Sebastien Grosjean and Richard Gasquet are victims.

ATP officials are looking at security cameras in all locker rooms to tighten security.

Yesterday world No1 Roger Federer said he travels with his valuables at all times, fearing they may be nicked.