Burglars use lump hammer in club raid

A struggling social club in a Staffordshire village may not survive after burglars broke in and wreaked havoc – stealing money, smashing furniture and even spilling a gallon of blackcurrant cordial over the carpet.

The thieves used a lump hammer to break into two safes at Great Haywood sports and social club, between Stafford and Rugeley.

They stole £1,400 cash and £100 in stock before vandalising the members-run club. The total bill, including repair costs, has been estimated at about £5,000.

Bingo sessions for the elderly have had to be cancelled as there is no money for prizes.

The burglary was discovered at 9am on January 4 when the cleaner arrived.

She found the side door of the Main Road building ajar and a scene of destruction inside. The intruders had left a drill, lump hammer and shovel before fleeing.

Committee chairwoman June Holbrook said: "It was an awful mess. This is not a pub, it's an amenity for the village used by local clubs and charities.

"We struggle to stay afloat and it will be sad if this is the straw that broke the camel's back."

The club is run and funded entirely by its 300 members who have been left distressed by the burglary. The stolen money included the night takings, bingo float and cash from the fruit machines and ticket money.

To make matters worse, the club's insurance claim may be in jeopardy after it emerged that the alarm had been tampered with and had not triggered.