THIEVES attempted to break into a volunteer-run cafe and arts venue.

The Art House Cafe in Above Bar Street, Southampton, was targeted on Sunday at around 11.30pm.

The owners were alerted after the alarm went off and on rushing to the venue found a few items had been moved.

A police spokesman said the would-be thieves broke in through the window on the roof. The owners thanked customers and volunteers for helping to beef up security by raising or donating money for an appeal back in March 2011.

Speaking in a video message posted on the Art House website Jani Frank said: “Some robbers tried to get into the Art House and they were fooled by the security and the Art House is now safe and that is all down to the people who donated to the art house two years ago.”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area last Sunday is asked to contact Jenny Gibson at Southampton Central Police Station on 101.