OFFICIALS and members of Lampeter RFC have been left stunned after burglars broke in and left a trail of damage costing several thousands of pounds.

The intruders, who smashed their way through seven doors as well as forcing tills and the clubhouse safe, are understood to have deactivated security alarms as well as a CCTV system in order to carry out the raid.

The burglary is thought to have happened between 1am and 6am on Sunday – just hours after the clubhouse was packed to capacity with rugby fans watching the England-Wales Six Nations international at Twickenham.

Club officials are saying that, while the overall cash loss was “substantial”, the overall repair bill could run into several thousands of pounds.

It was hoped the premises would be able to re-open in time for Lampeter’s scheduled game against Aberaeron tonight (Wednesday).

“This wasn’t a smash and grab raid; whoever was responsible seemed to know what they were doing,” club secretary Gary Davies told the Cambrian News.

“It’s extremely disappointing; a lot of people at the club have worked so hard to achieve what we have and for something like this to happen is a real kick in the teeth.