A RAIDER targeted a well known Southampton pub.

The Hobbit pub, based on Bevois Valley Road, was broken into at 10am after the burglar smashed a glass window to gain access.

He escaped with £100 worth of alcohol and a box of chocolate and pub bosses have warned other city watering holes to be on their guard.

Pub CCTV shows a male walking in while the pub was closed - it doesn’t open until 6pm at night - and help himself to four bags of spirits and a whole box of Dairy Milk.

Owner of the pub Stella Roberts, 49, from Portswood, said: “We have members of staff living in the pub and going in and out of the place, and one of them came down to see glass on the floor after a window was smashed.

“We have had many break-ins before, but this person came prepared and then casually walked out of the fire exit.”

She added: “I think he knew the layout because he picked and chose what he wanted, and he even tried to come back in a couple of minutes later, but couldn’t get in unless he crawled through the fire exit - which closed behind him after his previous visit. We may be the first of many pubs targeted and we would like people to come forward if they know who he could be.”

The broken window has now been fixed after “costing hundreds” and the pub remains open to the public.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “We are investigating after we received a report of an attempted burglary at The Hobbit on Bevois Valley Road.

“The incident happened at around 10am on June 27. It is believed a person broke in through a window and stole alcohol before leaving.”

She added: “No-one has been arrested at this time however enquiries are ongoing.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote 44190221701.”