AN URGENT appeal for information has gone out, after the Pill Social Centre in Milford Haven was broken into twice in one evening.

The break-ins happened yesterday (Monday).

A tin containing almost £900 was taken from the hall between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Witnesses reported seeing three teenagers leaving the building, one of whom appeared to be holding a small tin.

This morning, trustee and Mayor of Milford Haven Cllr Colin Sharp was told there had been a further break-in overnight.

A metal electronic shutter covering the bar had been wrenched open, and a fire door - only installed in February - also damaged.

Cash was also stolen from the till.

Cllr Sharp said the news was deeply upsetting.

"This is the first incident of this kind that we're aware of since 1947," he said.

"It’s so gutting, I feel really upset at the moment, we’ve all put in so much work here."

Quotes for an alarm system and CCTV have already been obtained, in a bid to deter future attempts.

An online fundraising campaign has also been started to help pay for the new equipment.

Cllr Sharp has appealed for anyone with information to contact police on 101.

"Somebody must know what went on," he said.

A police spokesman said: "A red money tin containing more than £800 was stolen from the Centre at around 6pm on Monday 7 August.

"A burglary to the building happened sometime between 10.30pm on Monday 7 August and 9am on Tuesday 8 August.

"Around £180 of cash and a small quantity of alcohol were stolen, and damage caused to the inside of the building, during this incident.

"The two crimes are being treated as linked by police."