BURGLARS targeted a Hampshire lifeboat group and caused hundreds of pounds of damage.

The Venturers search-and-rescue organisation is counting the cost of a break-in at its training building in Newlands Road, Blackfield.

Nothing was stolen but the Venturers say the repair bill is likely to be about £500.

Executive officer Philip Pearce- Smith said: “The thieves removed a metal window grille and a padlocked wooden shutter, then forced a metal-faced door fitted with two Chubb locks.

“However, apart from charts and training equipment, there is nothing of value in the building.”

Mr Pearce-Smith said he hoped the burglars had been caught on camera.

“The premises are covered by a number of high definition CCTV cameras and there is evidence of fingerprints on the metal door,”

he said.

Police are investigating the break-in, which occurred between 11.30pm on Sunday and 1pm the following day.

PC Jon Kennett said: “Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area between these times to come forward.”

Ring PC Kennett at Hythe police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.