'Low life' raiders steal £3,000 from Royal British Legion club

Members have been left devastated after the gang smashed their way in and got into the safe.

The crooks also smashed open bandit machines in their desperation to get their hands on whatever cash they could find.

Club bosses arrived to find the Church Hill venue had been ransacked with glass strewn all over the floor.

The previous week's takings and staff wages were in the safe along with prize money for bingo and other games popular with regulars.

Club treasurer Linda Yates said: "They got the bandit machines, they completely smashed them and took the money out of them. They also took 50in TVs.

"They got behind the bar and smashed everything. They even took cups and the kettle.

"We're all devastated. We have only just had to rebuild, we are just getting back on our feet. We haven't got a penny."

Mrs Yates said she couldn't comprehend how somebody could attack at Royal British Legion branch, adding: "They are just low life, pinching off a British Legion which helps people.

"If they would have asked us for help, said they were short of money, we would have helped them."

But she remained defiant, saying: "We won't let it beat us.

"Worse things happen than this."

Bar manager Terry Fitzgerald said: "They are scum.

"They have got no thought for anybody, it's the wanton vandalism and mess I can't understand.

"They took every penny out of the place."

The break-in happened at around 12.30am on Monday.

The thieves are believed to have got in through a window, which had been boarded-up following damage.

Police have now launched an investigation and want to hear from anyone who saw what happened.

It's almost three years since a lorry smashed through the branch of the British Legion, killing driver Henryk Jackowski.

The subsequent rebuild set the club back around £60,000.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Gina Lycett said: "We are appealing for information after the Royal British Legion on Churchill Hill was burgled."

It is believed that thieves gained access to the property between 11.50pm on July 10 and 7.30am on July 11.

Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.