A VILLAGE pub resurrected and run by its own community was burgled by thieves who took up to £3,000 from a safe.

The Raven Inn in Llanarmon-yn-Ial was re-opened as a community pub last August and run by local volunteers after it was put up for sale.

However, now workers said the ‘feel-good factor’ of keeping the pub open has been tarnished following the break-in overnight on Saturday.

David Willis, a member of the Raven Inn committee, said they believe more than one person stacked outside picnic tables, broke an upstairs window and tried to remove the safe.  He said: “The safe, which weighs about 250kg, was moved about 20 yards down the corridor.”  Keys to the safe were then found and what is believed to be about £2,000-£3,000 was taken.

A fire extinguisher was let off, possibly to try and remove any fingerprints, but residents say police have found a blood sample on some broken glass.

Mr Willis said the crime was brazen as the pub’s location is very open.

He added they were hopeful the insurance firm would pay out and although it was an unfortunate set-back, they still managed to open on Sunday, June 13 and workers clubbed together from their own money to get a float for the till.

Mr Willis said: “It does make you more suspicious about people coming in the pub because we have been so open and welcoming and you think it must be someone who’s been in.”

Another committee member who did not wish to be named said: “We are all upset.
To think someone’s got the audacity to do this has made us all the more determined.”

North Wales Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.