BURGLARS used a sledgehammer to smash their way through a community club on Portland.

The break-in happened shortly after 4am yesterday at the Kimberlin Club in Blacknor Road.

Club manager Karen Dolbear is now appealing to people’s consciences for help finding the culprits, one of whom is thought to have cut himself during the break-in.

Mrs Dolbear said three men were seen breaking a window before two of them entered while the third acted as a look-out.

It is believed the men used a sledgehammer they brought with them to smash open two fruit machines in the club’s bar before emptying them of several hundred pounds in change.

The men were then seen to flee the scene on pushbikes in the direction of Martinscroft Road.

Mrs Dolbear said it is believed one of the burglars may have been wearing a high-visibility jacket while another wore a blue hooded top and black and white trainers.

She also said one of the men may have cut himself after blood was found at the scene.

Mrs Dolbear, who has managed the club for 14 years, said: “This is quite a bad state of affairs.

“I would say these men knew what they were doing because they seemed to get in and out again in seconds.

“They also came ready to get into the fruit machines with a large sledgehammer.”

She added: “I know somebody out there knows who these people are and I would appeal to their consciences for them to come forward.

“It’s mindless vandalism and theft. One of these men probably has a fresh cut.”

Sgt Yvonne Bevan of Portland Police’s safer neighbourhoods team has appealed for anyone who saw any suspicious activity at around 4am yesterday to come forward.

She added: “The Kimberlin Club is used by many members of the local community and I’m determined to bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information on the break-in should contact police on 01305 222222.