A CRICKET club is offering a cash reward for information following a break-in.

Burglars targeted the Westhoughton club for the second time in two weeks at about 1am on Monday by smashing through the roof of the clubhouse.

Two men were captured on CCTV waiting for the the club to close before breaking into the premises. But when they attempted to open the club safe using a metal grinder, the smoke set off the fire alarm and alerted the fire service.

The burglars fled empty-handed, but club officials say they will have to spend around £4,000 repairing the damage caused by the would-be thieves.

It includes damage to the security lighting, roof and plastering indoors.

A spokesman for the club said: “Fortunately the club had invested in upgrading existing systems following a similar incident two weeks earlier with camera images now downloaded to remote server storage.

“Hopefully someone will recognise the persons concerned and assist the police in arresting the burglars.”

The club has not revealed how much money is on offer as a reward for information.

DNA samples were also found at the scene after the first attempted burglary two weeks ago. Club officials believe the culprits may have visited the club bar on the Sunday night.

According to the police, the two men were slim and wore dark clothes.

One wore reflective trainers and was about 5ft 9in tall.

The club spokesman added: “Fortunately the club’s alarm systems, which have 24-hour remote monitoring and recording systems, were activated and the offenders fled without reward but left the club with the cost to repair the damage caused.

“The club believes that the offenders may have visited the club previously.”

A police spokesman said: “Our inquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.