THE NEW managers of a village pub are hoping it is a case of ‘third time lucky’ after their reopening was delayed by two break-ins.

Mike Moloney and Nicola Adams have recently taken over the White Hart in Wolvercote, Oxford.

The business partners were originally supposed to open the doors at the end of September.

But the pub in Godstow Road was targeted twice by thieves. In the first attack, on Monday, September 26, thieves stole lead and slate from the roof.

Then just days later, on September 30, thieves struck again, this time making off with alcohol, two flat screen televisions and cash.

Mr Moloney, who wants to turn the White Hart back into a “good old fashioned boozer”, said pool tables and a fruit machine were also damaged.

He said: “They took about four bottles of alcohol and two 50 inch plasma tvs.

“I think they knew the pub was not occupied.

“It is disappointing as we were hoping to open in time for the last of the good weather.”

Keen to put the incident behind them, Mr Moloney and Ms Adams are looking forward to replacing the TVs and offering a place for sports fans to enjoy a pint and some simple but tasty bar snacks.

Mr Moloney said: “We are just trying to get the message out that we are here and open for business again. It’s quiet at the moment, but we want it to be a real community pub, a sports pub. a games pub and a good boozer.”

Three arrests have since been made in connection with the theft of lead. Brad Ayres, 19, from Godstow Road, Wolvercote, Damien Sage, 26, from Ulfgar Road, Oxford, and a 17-year-old boy from Oxford have been charged with theft and going equipped for theft. They were bailed to appear before city magistrates on Tuesday.

Anyone with any information about the second incident, which happened on September 30, should call Pc Amanda Kerman on 08458 505505.