The president of North Village Community Club, which has twice fallen prey to break-ins, has pleaded with people to “leave our community clubs alone”.

The club was broken into two times within nine days, with the culprit stealing bar goods and causing damage.

Before the two incidents, North Village did not have any break-ins for more than five years.

Shervin Dill said: “The culprit broke in twice in between September 30 and October 1 and stole around $1,500 worth of bar inventory and caused $400 worth of damage to our door.

“They broke in again on October 10, but did not get away with as much inventory.”

“My plea is for [criminals] to leave the community clubs alone, because all of us are doing our best for the youth so that they do not turn to crime,” Mr Dill explained.

He said that, thanks to the swift response to the incident by police and the club’s high-tech security system, a person has been questioned in connection with the break-ins and might go before the courts soon.

“I am grateful to the prompt response by police and to our major sponsors and large support base throughout the years,” he said.

* Update: an earlier version of this story said the club’s 65th anniversary celebration had been put on hold due to the break-ins. This is incorrect and the celebrations will take place. We apologise for the error.