By Saul Cooke-Black
JUST weeks after coming under new management, a pub has been targeted by burglars who stole thousands of pounds in a late night raid.
Thieves broke into The Yew Tree in Dursley Road, on the border of Cam and Dursley, on Sunday night and stole 3,500 from a safe, before smashing open fruit machines which each contained 350 pool tables and a jukebox. Police are linking the burglary with a raid at The Prince of Wales pub in Cashes Green, Stroud, which was reported on Monday and which also saw thousands of pounds stolen. It is estimated that in total more than 12,000 was stolen in both raids.
Barry Romain, general manager at The Yew Tree, warned other pub licensees to take extra security measures in light of the thefts.
It is very rare to get two within such a short space of time, he told the Gazette.
I would urge other pub managers to be extra vigilant and review their security measures. New managers took over the pub eight weeks ago and had carried out refurbishment work. A new patio area was created outside the front of the pub, which was also painted and had new carpets.
The pub was closed on Monday but open as usual from 11.30am to 11.30pm on Tuesday after customers and staff rallied together to help clear up after the burglary. Mr Romain wished to thank customers who had offered their help.
After forensics were carried out we had offers of help from several customers, said Mr Romain.
The fruit machines and pool tables are unrepairable and there was also an element of water damage.
I would like to thank all of the locals who offered their help and support at a difficult time. Their help is much appreciated.
He added: We want to make this into a community pub which is family friendly and which is at the heart of the community.
We are hoping to encourage people from all walks of life into the pub and are planning to hold more community events and charity nights. Police are appealing for witnesses to both raids to come forward. Inspector Andy Poole, of Stroud police, told the Gazette yesterday that a 33-year-old man from Smethwick, West Midlands, has been arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with both break-ins.
Insp Poole said the man had been released on police bail until November 16, pending further enquiries. A spokesperson for Gloucestershire police added: We are appealing for the local community or regular customers to the pub to come forward if they have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area.
Regardless of how small the information might be, their insight may be vital to our enquiries and may help us to trace those responsible. Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 218 of September 12.
The break-in at the Prince of Wales pub in Stroud was reported to police on Tuesday but officers said it could have happened at any point over the previous six days.
Fruit machines, a jukebox and pool table were smashed to grab cash, and the weekend s takings were also stolen.