NEW pub managers have thanked customers for rallying to their support after burglars stole thousands of pounds in a raid.

Just two weeks after husband and wife Melvin Forber and Sarah Hanson had taken over at The Prince of Wales in Cashes Green, Stroud, thieves struck at the pub and got away with several thousand pounds from the safe.

Fruit machines, a jukebox and a pool table were smashed to grab cash, and the weekend’s takings were also stolen in the burglary reported to police on Tuesday, September 13.

With the pub’s new start seemingly set back, Mr Forber said customers poured into the popular pub to offer their support.

“We re-opened within two days but it was a big boost to have so much support from the customers,” he told the SNJ .

“There wasn’t much damage done but we had quite a few customers coming in to say hello and to wish us well.

“It does make a difference, especially as the incident happened so soon after we had taken over.”

Gloucestershire Police officers believe the burglary was linked to a similar break-in at the Yew Tree Inn in Woodfield Road, Dursley, which happened overnight between the Sunday (September 11) and Monday.

It is estimated that in total more than £12,000 was stolen in both raids.

Barry Romain, general manager at The Prince of Wales and The Yew Tree, warned other pub licensees to take extra security measures in light of the thefts.

“It is very rare to get two within such a short space of time,” he told the SNJ.

Mr Romain said he is hoping to transform the pubs into hubs at the centre of the community and is planning to organise more public events and charity nights.

A 33-year-old man from Smethwick, West Midlands, was arrested in connection with the burglaries at both pubs.

He has been released on police bail until November 16, pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to either raids.

A spokeswoman said: “We are appealing for the local community or regular customers to the pubs to come forward if they have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area.”

Call 101 if you can help.