Leaders of a Bradford League cricket club today made a desperate plea to vandals to leave their club alone after the seventh break-in in six months.

Saltaire Cricket Club, based at Roberts Park, is counting the cost of repeated raids on its tea room which overlooks the park.

In the most recent incident, intruders caused £500 damage getting in to the building - although all they could find to steal were a few bottles of pop. Metal security grilles were pulled off the building and windows smashed.

Angry Billy Ricketts, who is groundsman and a committee member at the club, said: "We have had enough. We tell police about all these incidents but they can't seem to do anything.

"We have even given names to police of the people we think are responsible, but we are told it is no good unless we actually catch them in the act.

"I've been told to note down every incident in a book and so far this year there have been seven incidents, last year there were 23 incidents reported to police."

The stone, council-owned building where the players have tea is a constant vandalism target, Mr Ricketts said.

In addition the club is plagued by:

lYoungsters hanging round and indulging in underage drinking

lYoung people hurling abuse and spitting at cricket club members

lArson attacks

Acting Inspector Brian Pickford of Eccleshill police said: "We are aware of this and we are investigating some break-ins. It's an isolated club house which is very unfortunate. It's very difficult to prevent this type of break-in. There's going to be very little in there apart from a few packets of crisps.

"We would appreciate any information from members of the public because it's a popular walking spot. People need to be aware that this place is being targeted by thieves, and if they see anything suspicious, contact us."

lEccleshill police helpdesk is on (01274) 376059.