A CRICKET club has issued a warning after a ‘soul destroying’ break-in.

Tonge Cricket Club, in Crompton Way, was targeted in the early hours of Monday morning.

Padlocks were broken off the pavilion’s shutters and a window was smashed for the thief to get in.

Cash was then stolen from a pool table and a lotto machine.

Secretary Gillian Schofield was awoken at around 5am on Monday morning after an alarm was triggered during the break-in.

She said that while only around £70 or £80 was taken, the damage to the window comes to around £300.

The pool table and the lotto machine were both left with irrepairable damage but were rented and Mrs Schofield was unsure how much these would cost to replace.

She said: “It’s frustrating. It’s soul destroying really. Everybody gives up their time voluntarily and you get these people who ruin it for you.

“The CCTV hasn’t got anything.

“The thief has got his hood up and a scarf on, he knew what he was doing.”

Mrs Schofield added that the alarm was triggered earlier this month during what is believed to be an attempted break-in as well.

She said: “We had a letter from GMP recently saying that social clubs and cricket clubs were being targeted and for staff to be aware.”

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman confirmed that officers were called shortly before 5am on Monday to the club after the alarm was set off.

Police are currently investigating.