'It's a kick in the teeth': Cash taken in break-in at Halesowen football club bar

The Yeltz Bar, located next to the Halesowen Town Football Club grounds on Old Hawne Lane, was broken into in the early hours of New Year's Day.

A member of staff discovered what had happened upon arriving at the bar at around 5am.

Mathew Smart, board member at the football club, said: "They broke in the back, stole the safe and attacked the fruit machines. They didn't take any drinks it was just cash."

Around 1,500 visited the club's grounds on New Year's Day to watch the team play against Bromsgrove but The Yeltz Bar, popular among fans on match days, was forced to shut as a result of the break-in.

Mr Smart added: "We haven't been able to open for one of the biggest games of the season. It is not a great way to start the year but it has happened."

Halesowen Town took control of the bar a number of years ago and regularly hold events there including Bingo nights as well as hosting guest speakers.

Mr Smart continued: "It is a community club and we work hard to run the club. We are doing well and we all work together. 

"It is a kick in the teeth to think someone has targeted it. It is doubly disappointing that it is a community [bar]."

The Yeltz Bar announced the break-in to customers in a post to Facebook on Wednesday (January 1) morning.

It said: "Unfortunately, following a break in at Yeltz Bar in the early hours of this morning, we will not be open today. 

"Not a great way to start the new year but we must try and push on. We will post further updates when we are able."

West Midlands Police is investigating the burglary and has asked anyone who was in the area between 2am and 6am on New Year's Day to get in touch.

Those who can help should contact the force by calling 101 of via Live Chat on its website quoting crime number 20/100834/25.