HEARTLESS thieves have targeted a venue preparing a special fundraiser for a special care baby unit.

Police are now a studying CCTV footage in a bid to identify burglars who got away with a large quantity of beer and cider just days before a fundraising event at Cricket St Thomas Golf Club.

Thieves struck on Thursday night at the club – previously known as Windwhistle Golf Club – two days before the annual charity Captain’s Day.

The day is aimed at raising thousands of pounds for the nominated cause of the special care baby unit at Musgrove Park Hospital.

Also taken in the raid was a bright purple St Austell Brewery beer gazebo.

An appeal went out on media and social networking sites from the club on Friday asking for help in finding the culprits and even telling those that had taken the beer that if it was returned quickly then no further action would be taken.

“We have CCTV footage of the people involved sneaking around with their torches,” said a Facebook message.

“If anyone, in the meantime, hears of a rather large party or indeed sees our bright purple branded gazebo, please let us know.”

Police have also used their social network Twitter account to appeal for information relating to the burglary.

News of the theft and subsequent appeals spread quickly among people – desperately disappointed that it should happen just days before a charity event.

Outraged Chard mum Rachel Dunn said: “My twins were born three months early with very little chance of survival.

“Without the hard work and efforts from Musgrove they would not be here today.

“I cannot thank them enough for everything and every single penny raised goes towards helping babies like mine.”

Others described the news of the theft as “terrible” and described the culprits as “mindless people.”

A police spokesman told the News that that they were determined to track down the culprits.

He said: “We are investigating a burglary at a golf club in the Chard area in which eight barrels of beer and cider were stolen. Also stolen was a small, purple, promotional Tribute gazebo.

“This incident happened at around 11.30pm on Thursday.”

If anyone has any information call police on 101 quoting reference 68243/15.

Alternatively – you can phone the club on 01460-30231.

The Captain’s Day went on as planned and still raised a lot of money for charity and organisers would like to thank everyone for their support.

n The SCBU has helped thousands of babies over the years.

Babies can be admitted to neonatal services for a number of reasons: •they are born early – one baby in 13 is born early, and babies born before 34 weeks may need extra help with breathing, feeding and keeping warm •they are very small and have a low birthweight •they have an infection •their mother has diabetes •the delivery was very difficult or they have jaundice •they are waiting for, or recovering from, complex surgery