THIEVES and vandals could force the closure of a 100-year-old Gwent sea cadet group. Newport's Sea Cadets, who recently celebrated their centenary, have suffered so many break-ins that they may not be able to afford to continue.

In the last seven days alone their TS Resolute riverfront premises off Crawford Street has been broken into three times.

Intruders have stolen everything from snacks to uniforms and vandalised anything they could not remove.

As well as the cost of repairs and replacing lost equipment, insurance premiums have spiralled with each new break-in.

The group's secretary, Ann Bowen, said: "Over the past few months we've had numerous break-ins. In the last week we have had three, and are at the end of our tether. The police have taken fingerprints but no-one has ever been caught."

The latest break-in could prove the final straw. "We found the last break-in on Monday morning," she said. "They had stolen everything in the tuck shop and some uniforms. Part of the problem is that the building is an old prefab and they just get through the roof.

"The insurance has sky rocketed to more than £1,500 and as we are entirely funded by local fundraising that hits us hard. I can imagine a time when we just won't be able to carry on. We want to make people aware of how bad the situation has got before it is too late." Over the decades the group has prepared generations of young people for careers in the services and provided activities for hundreds of others.

The number of cadets varies between 25 and 50, aged from 10 to 18. The youngsters are instructed by ten voluntary staff and regularly take part in civil occasions and events.

Treasurer Pauline Newman said: "We keep trying to have the roof repaired but they keep breaking through, sometimes it feels as if we are fighting a losing battle. I really can see a day when would have to close."

Gwent Police say they are investigating and ask anyone with information to contact them on 01633 244999

PICTURED: Cadets, from left, Shirelle Brunnock, Daniel Huxtable and Gareth Huxtable.