STAFF at a Stratton leisure centre were horrified to find they had been burgled when they turned up for work yesterday morning.

Grange Leisure, in Grange Drive, had been targeted by thieves and had to close for the morning.

Joe Tray, chairman of the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council explained what had happened.

He said: “At around 6am the alarm went off after someone broke into the rear door of the bar. All they stole was money from a fruit machine - probably around £25 or £30, but they caused around £2,000 worth of damage.”

The incident was captured on CCTV and Coun Tray described seeing a man wearing a hat, scarf and gloves breaking in.

Praising the staff at Grange Leisure, he said: “Unfortunately the centre had to close, but the staff were very professional and we were back up and running by lunch time.”

He added: “It’s very shocking. It’s the first time we have had an actual break-in like that, but the police were there straight away.”

Police confirmed that they received a call at 6.40am yesterday after the alarm was activated.

They said that the door had clearly been forced open and a fruit machine was broken into.

Enquiries are ongoing and a anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity should call police on 101.

There have been recent reports of anti-social behaviour in the area around Grange Leisure. Gangs of youths have been known to loiter and cause mischief from time to time.

Yesterday’s incident is not thought to be connected.