A SOCIAL club has launched an appeal to catch masked raiders who tunnelled through the roof to steal hundreds of pounds of cigarettes and alcohol.

Clacton Railway Club, in Carnarvon Road, has been hit twice by raiders – and bosses believe the same culprits are responsible for both break-ins.

Now they fear for the safety of staff and members in case crooks strike again.

The first raid saw burglars break in through the toilet windows late at night.

Security motion sensors had been taped over in advance – leading staff to suspect the culprits may be members or former members.

Extra security was fitted, including bars on the windows.

But the next time, the crooks smashed through the roof to get at the club supply room, stealing cash, 600 cigarettes and bottles of alcohol.

More security was added after the second break-in.

But club bosses fear the raiders could target staff when they are closing up if they are desperate enough to strike again.

A spokesman said: “It has got to the point where we are responsible for the members of staff and it is a concern.

“When we stepped up security the first time, they found another way to get in.

“Now we believe we have taken all the precautions we can.

“But if this person is desperate enough to break in twice, they may try again.

“We just want to make sure everyone is safe. We don’t know what their motivations are, how desperate they are or what lengths they would go to.”

CCTV footage of the two raids has now been handed over to police.

Club bosses have highlighted a car – thought to be a Vauxhall Meriva – which appears in the footage and could be involved.

They have launched an appeal for information in an effort to catch the culprits.

The club representative added: “It is so frustrating. The club is not run for profit, it is run for the members to enjoy.

“It is an uphill battle for us when we have to deal with this.

“Somebody must know something about the person responsible. We want to find them before anything else happens.”

The club is urging anyone with information to call police on 101.