At a couple of the larger tourneys that I have been at, something like this always happens. This usually always includes Ladies purses as well.
I imagine that players could be responsible but I have always thought that any large event with free admission will bring out the opportunists.
These people have balls the size of 5 pin bowling balls and work quick. In a situation with large crowds and people or team mates concentrating on a game, it doesn't take much to snatch and run. The last one was at the Westerns in Edmonton. I saw more than one person that just didn't seem to fit in with the pool crowd. They don't seem to be interested in pool, their eyes dart back and forth scanning the area. You know, that type of action.
I seriously hate lazy scum holes that steal from others that had to get their property the honest way.
If this was the Wild West, you could just take em out and find a tall tree and be done with it.
Sometimes the old days were good days.
And I hope that Chip gets his cues back. Its a long shot tho.