TWO burglars who broke into a Gwent social club dived headfirst through an open window 16 feet above the ground to make their escape, say committee members.

The thieves were disturbed by a staff member at Crumlin ex-servicemen's club just before 2am on Sunday after the site's alarm was triggered.

It was the fourth time in as many weeks that the club had been broken into, and the burglaries have cost the club a total of £9,000 for damaged property, stolen stock and money taken from two fruit machines.

Committee chairman Ron Morgan (pictured) said even though the club is insured, the persistent burglaries are having an adverse effect after members and committee men had fought so hard in the past year to claw their way back from the brink of closure.

Mr Morgan said: "We believe there may be four people involved in these burglaries altogether - two who come into the club, one outside to be passed the stolen goods, and another waiting in the car.

"When the two in the club were disturbed on Sunday they both dived through the open window and on to some rubble and bricks 16 feet below - I've no doubt they both would have been really hurt."

He added: "It wasn't so long ago that we were in dire straits and thinking of closing the club for good.

"We've managed to pay our debts off and are showing a little bit of profit but then we get hit four times in four weeks and it is a major set-back.

"The last time they burgled us they not only cleaned out the fruit machines but they also broke into the cellar and pinched bottles of whisky and vodka.

"The members are getting very angry and upset by it - if this place had to close there wouldn't be anywhere to go for a lot of them."

Sergeant Dave Thomas, of Risca police, said: "We are looking for two men; one of whom had a heavy build and another who was smaller and young looking."

If anybody has any information they are urged to contact Risca police on 01633 612391.