CCTV Released After Southampton British Legion Targeted

14 March 2014, 06:43 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Police investigating what looks like a campaign of violence and burglaries against a Royal British Legion building in Southampton have released CCTV of men they want to speak to.

The building in Upper Deacon Road was targeted four times in February, but there have been no further break-ins during March.

In one break-in, £16,000 was stolen from a safe. On another occasion all the gas canisters in the bar were left switched on.

Hampshire Police say separate incidents throughout February have caused significant damage.

Between 10.45pm on Thursday 13 and 9.45am on Friday 14, someone attempted to force open the side fire door by trying to cut off the padlock. Nothing was stolen but damage was caused to the door.

Between 11.00pm on Sunday 16 and 9.30am on Monday 17, three sets of doors were forced open, and more than £16,000 of raffle prize money, till floats and takings were stolen from the safe inside the building.

Between 11.45pm on Wednesday 19 and 10.00am on Thursday 20, a further burglary took place. Doors, windows, fruit machines and the jukebox were smashed. Around £700 in cash was taken from the machines. A flat screen TV was also
taken.

Between 11.00am on Monday 24, and 7.00pm on Tuesday 25, four large gas canisters used for the drinks pumps in the bar were tampered with; causing all of the gas to leak. These canisters are thought to be worth around £260.

Officers are investigating whether these four incidents are linked.

If you have any information that could help with please call PC Mike Barnett at Bitterne Police Station on 101 or via the website: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/do-it-online/online-forms/message-for-officer.html.

You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously. Minicom users should call 01962 875000.