A BURGLAR broke into a community building and stole a laptop, cash and CCTV equipment over the weekend.

The thief entered Dean Bank and Ferryhill Literary Institute, in Ferryhill, County Durham, some time between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Administrator Chris Cairns arrived at the building on Saturday morning to find the back door open and the office door looking like it had been forced open.

An amount of cash had been stolen, along with a Chromebook laptop and CCTV equipment.

Mr Cairns said: “We are open as usual but it is a shame that we are going to now have to review security here.

“The building is used by a lot of charity groups but thankfully their equipment is in secure storage.”

DC Emma McCabe of South Durham CID said: “Overnight from Friday, March 17 to Saturday, March 18 burglars have entered the Dean Bank and Ferryhill Literary Institute on St. Cuthberts Terrace, Ferryhill and stolen a number of items from inside.”

DC McCabe is asking local residents to be vigilant with the security of their homes and anyone who finds any discarded property to contact their local beat team.

Police investigations are still ongoing and anyone who has any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111