THIEVES cleared out a community space of everything inside, even teaspoons, during a week-long period over the new year.

Two break-ins at the Brookvale Village Hall, in Lower Brook Street, were carried out on between December 30 and January 4.

All the internal locks were damaged and everything which could have been stolen was taken, including electrical items, and tea and coffee supplies.

The first incident took place between 5pm on December 30 and 8pm on December 31, when a search was carried out and damage caused to internal doors.

The second took place between 6.30pm on January 3 and 10am on January 4 where items stolen included a printer, a laminator, a projector and a PA system.

Treasurer of the village hall, Cathy Williams said: “It is frustrating that someone would do something like this and steal items which aren’t of huge value.

“Why would someone steal some community biscuits? What benefit is that to anyone?”

Cathy said since the break-ins, more security has had to be put in place and more than 30 keys have had to be cut for the trustees and organisations which use the hall.

However, the community has rallied round to help with Debbie Miles and Tom Farren from the nearby Tesco Metro stall replacing all of the refreshments and Carter Contractors has offered to help repair areas of the building.

Cathy added: “We just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for their support. Sometimes supermarkets and construction firms get a bad reputation, so we just wanted to say thank you.”

Police have launched an investigation into the break-ins.