Thieves broke into Sheffield Central Library and stole money from a public donation point after forcing entry with a crowbar.

South Yorkshire Police were called to Surrey Street at 2.12am on Monday 10 March following reports of a break in at the library.

When the police arrived at the scene there was damage to the building and a small amount of cash, including money from a public donation point, was stolen.

Alex Grove, a spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police, said: “A pane of glass was broken in order to gain entry to the building. A crowbar was then allegedly used to prise open a shutter, with damage caused to a door inside the building.”

The crime resulted in a temporary closure on the Monday morning but was reopened that afternoon after library staff quickly carried out repairs.

Alexandra Mclachlan, frequent visitor of the library, said: “They need the support from regulars. I still feel safe here.”

Although the break-in sparked concern amongst visitors of the library, many believe it will continue to be viewed as a safe community space.

Investigations are ongoing while South Yorkshire Police urged anyone with information about the incident to make a report immediately.

A regular visitor of Sheffield Central Library said: “Whilst most people are trying to create a safe space in public places, it is also a space that can become unregulated.

They added that the staff ‘probably have a lot better strategies’ in coping with acts of crime ‘than most the public’.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or report online here: https://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/ro/report/