Thieves broke into Sheffield Central Library and stole money from a public donation point after forcing entry with a crowbar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Yorkshire Police were called to Surrey Street at 2.12am on Monday 10 March following reports of a break in at the library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crime resulted in a temporary closure on the Monday morning but was reopened that afternoon after library staff quickly carried out repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alexandra Mclachlan, frequent visitor of the library, said: “They need the support from regulars. I still feel safe here.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the break-in sparked concern amongst visitors of the library, many believe it will continue to be viewed as a safe community space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Investigations are ongoing while South Yorkshire Police urged anyone with information about the incident to make a report immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They added that the staff ‘probably have a lot better strategies’ in coping with acts of crime ‘than most the public’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n