MEMBERS of a St Neots football club have been left desperate to end a run of crime at their clubhouse after it was broken into on Friday for the third time this month. Eynesbury Rovers FC, in Hall Road, has been targeted by thieves for years, but the late

MEMBERS of a St Neots football club have been left desperate to end a run of crime at their clubhouse after it was broken into on Friday for the third time this month.

Eynesbury Rovers FC, in Hall Road, has been targeted by thieves for years, but the latest attacks have seen the clubhouse roof ripped open, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

The club is now in talks with Cambridgeshire police to try to find ways to protect the building.

Deryck Irons, club secretary, told The Hunts Post: "I've lost count of how many times the club has been broken into over the years but it has never happened this close together before.

"Some committee members are starting to feel like they are wasting their time constantly fixing the damage the thieves cause.

"It's such a shame, as the club is a good facility for youngsters, but some youngsters are ruining it for the rest of them by repeatedly targeting the club."

Thieves have gained entry to the club, which is situated in the middle of a playing field, by climbing 10 feet onto the roof and smashing their way through into the kitchen. They have then stolen bottles of spirits and beers to the value of several hundred pounds before climbing back through the roof.

Alcohol will no longer be stored on the premises.

Mr Irons added: "We have had to put a temporary cover on the roof as it costs £1,000 to replace it every time these vandals break through it.

"Because of previous break-ins at the club we have had to put bars on all the doors and windows. It's just not acceptable.

"With the recent bad weather we now have a serious problem on our hands as the holes we have temporarily covered leak.

"We have already got rid of the fruit machines and we now we have made the decision to remove all the alcohol, which is a huge inconvenience to members."

Mr Irons added: "We hope that by talking to police we can find ways of preventing any future break-ins. One club member has mentioned putting a dog in the building but I don't think we are allowed to do that.

"Eynesbury Rovers is one of the senior clubs in the area and it just isn't right that thieves should continually target us."

The other incidents took place overnight on Wednesday, May 10, 9.40am on Saturday May 13, and on Monday, May 1. The club was also targeted on January 21 and on May 31 last year.

INFORMATION: Anyone with information should contact 0845 4564564 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.