POLICE dogs and a helicopter helped search the area around Penns Place after Petersfield Rugby Club was broken into.

Although disturbed by police, burglars managed to escape with about £850 after causing damage to the downstairs of the club.

The break in happened between 2am and 2.21am on Tuesday, February 9, a police spokesman added.

He said that the thieves smashed through two wooden doors to get in, and that a man was seen running from the club to a wooded area behind it.