ELECTRICAL equipment was stolen after a break-in at a lawn tennis club in Penarth.

Penarth Lawn Tennis Club was the latest business to be broken into following a spate of burglaries in the town centre.

The burglar was seen on CCTV footage gaining entry to the premises at around 3.50am on Saturday, November 4.

They damaged doors to gain entry, and stole a computer, along with payment equipment.

The club was devastated by the break-in, the day after their annual firework display on Friday, November 3.

A spokesman said: “Everyone at the club has been shocked and saddened by the recent break-in where doors were damaged, and computer and payment equipment were stolen.

“We’re a volunteer-run club and every penny we spend on sporting and social facilities is raised by members and the hard work of volunteers.”

At the fireworks display the club raised hundreds of pounds for their designated charity, the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

They added: “It is particularly galling that the incident happened just hours after our brilliant bonfire night celebrations where hundreds of families enjoyed a great night of fireworks.

“As well as laying on brilliant entertainment for the town, club volunteers had also raised hundreds of pounds for our designated charity, MNDA, by selling mulled wine on the night.”

Prior to the break-in at the Penarth Lawn Tennis Club, there was a break-in at Spencer’s shoe repair shop and two other businesses near the pier.

Penarth Athletic Club were the fourth business to be targeted that weekend, after being broken into following their firework display on Sunday, November 5.

Other businesses targeted include Cafe 64, Allan Saddler, Foxy's Deli, Windsor Tea Rooms, Windsor Castle, Ty Hafan, Tony's Taste of Italy and Pizza Pronto. 

Penarth Lawn Tennis Club is now urging affected businesses in the area to check their CCTV footage to see if there is a clear image as to whether it is the same person.

South Wales Police are continuing to investigate the recent rise in burglaries in the area.

As part of the police response, detectives are reviewing forensic opportunities, speaking to witnesses, and viewing CCTV, to identify and arrest those responsible.