stolen ball, whats the ruling

Does anyone know what the rule is if you tee off and you clearly see somone (kids in my case last week) come onto the course out of some bushes and steal your ball.

Is it go back to the tee and play another without a drop?

Googled it and cant find anything.

thanks

John

I would presume if it was witnessed by your playing partners you would be allowed to drop in that area without penalty , same as when a crow pinches one.....but i'm off to check.

and remember to take a divot..ouch!

It's the same ruling as a crow, place the ball as nearly as possible from where it was taken.  Comes under the "outside agency" ruling, Rule 18-1 

Some one nicked our partners ball a couple of weeks ago.........

Screwed his round up for a few holes.........

Then he holed out from 80 yards..............

Strange game eh...............

Jonny,

that'll teach you for straying into someones backyard