THIEVES have targeted a popular Worcester pub three times in the past three weeks, stealing hundreds of pounds in cash and damaging machinery.

The King's Head, in Sidbury, was broken into for the third time in the early hours of yesterday when thieves stole money from a gambling machine and a payphone, as well as cigarettes and money from a cigarette machine.

Pub manager Ben Grove believes only the sound of the alarm prevented the haul being even greater.

"We are just fed up with this going on and we are really angry," he said.

"This is a nice canalside pub and we just don't want this."

On each occasion, the thieves broke in through a fire exit on the canal side of the pub.

"We have reported it to the police, but we are asking that anyone who knows anything help us.

"I have been burgled before at home and that is a horrible feeling. It is just as bad for us here as we are a close-knit team running a good pub."

The first break-in was the night following the England v Brazil football match, on Friday, June 21. Just a week later, the pub was hit once more.

Police said they are keen to track down the culprits.

"I can confirm that the King's Head public house reported a break in the early hours of 19th July," said PC Brian Simpkins, who is working on the most recent break-in.

"The payphones and gaming machines were attacked and I am appealing for people to come forward with information.

"We have launched an enquiry into the burglary and would like to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of the King's Head in the early hours of Friday morning and saw or heard anything suspicious.

"We are sure that someone knows who committed this crime and I would urge those people to come forward. Anyone with information should contact me on 01905 723888 quoting c/606082."