THIEVES ripped off panels to climb through a cricket club’s roof before stealing its safe containing £3,500.

Police said a ‘heavy implement’ was used to force the metal safe out of a wall at Baxenden Cricket Club.

It was the fourth cricket club to be targeted in East Lancashire in recent months.

The burglars prised panels from the roof of the club house and climbed down through the building’s false ceiling.

They then smashed down a door to get to the safe, which contained members’ subscriptions from the start of the season and weekend takings.

Club members believe those responsible may have visited the club before the burglary to find out where the money was kept.

Secretary David Nixon said everyone connected with the club was extremely angry.

He said: “Whoever broke in climbed onto the flat roof and pulled away the metal sheeting before jumping down through the false roof panels into the club house.

They then smashed a door and took the safe with all the takings in, damaging the wall.

“We believe that they had cased the club in the days before as they appeared to know where the money was kept.

“We have heard of similar thefts happening at other clubs in the area and would want to warn other clubs to be on the look out for anyone who is acting suspiciously.

“I would urge them to take down their car registration, which could help the police.

“We are annoyed that this has happened. We are only a small club but we aren’t going to let something like this set us back.”

In recent months Edenfield, Colne and Whalley Cricket Clubs have all been targeted by raiders. Police said that at present they are were not connecting the incidents but are appealing for witnesses.

A police spokesman said: “We believe the theft took place during the hours between 7.15am on Sunday and 8.45am on Monday.

“It appears that the cricket club has been entered through the roof by metal panels being forced away. They have then gone in through the false ceiling into the main club area.

“It appears that they have used a heavy implement to remove a small padlocked metal safe from the wall which contained a large amount of cash.

“Damage has been caused to the roof panels and to the area by the safe.

“We would urge anyone with information to come forward and contact us on 101.”