Thieves who repeatedly targeted a youth centre have left it with crippling repair costs.

Burglars have hit the 67 Centre in Moulsecoomb three times this week to add to two further break-ins last month.

Despite taking relatively little, they have left the centre with crippling repair costs after smashing windows to gain entry.

Tracie James, the centre’s youth service practice manager, said: “It is completely mindless and at the end of the day it is the youngsters who are going to lose out.

“They use screwdrivers to gain entry through the windows so the repair costs are high.

“It is very damaging for us and has to come out of our budget.”

Thieves first started targeting the centre last month with two different break-ins. This week has seen an escalation in events, with break-ins on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The thieves have managed to take a TV screen from the centre along with around £100 in cash.

However most of the items they have stolen have little value such as a jar of coffee and a sugar bowl.

The Brighton and Hove City Council- run centre provides various services for young people in the area.

As well as advice sessions and employability drop-ins, the Hodshrove Lane centre runs indoor football and bike clubs.

Mrs James added: “We just want people to be aware of what is going on.

If they have seen anything suspicious they should contact the police.

“This is going to have an impact on what we can provide for the young people and that isn’t fair.”

Sussex Police confirmed it was investigating the break-ins.

PC Alex Theodoridou said: “We have visited the centre to provide security advice and gather evidence.

“On the third night nothing was taken as extra security measures had been put in place. However, the centre provides an important meeting point for kids in Moulsecoomb and these burglaries eat into their hard-pressed funds.

“We are looking at CCTV from a neighbouring property and would like to hear from anyone who has any information or suspicions about the culprits.”

Call 101, quoting serial 591 of 13/05, if you have any information.