STAFF at a social club said they were lucky after a burglar alarm thwarted thieves.

Crooks broke into Parkeston Railway Club, in Hamilton Street, overnight on Tuesday, causing damage to two doors.

Committee members of the private members’ club were alerted to the breakin after the alarmwas set off.

Nothing was stolen, but repairs are expected to be costly.

Committee member Martin Heath said: “Luckily, we have CCTV and alarms.

“They broke in by the rear side fire door, causing extensive damage.

“They then broke one of the doors coming into the main bar – I think that was when the alarm went off.

“Pretty much all the damage is to the doors.

“Luckily, no-one has been hurt and nothing was taken, but things could have been a lot worse.’’ A spate of burglaries and break-ins in the town has seen a number of homes, shops and clubs targeted.

Anyone with information is asked to call Harwich police on 101.