THIEVES broke into the Tap Social bar and stole thousands of pounds from the safe.

The craft brewery, Tap Social Movement, on the Curtis Industrial estate in North Hinksey Lane, provides training courses for people serving prison sentences, and is also a venue for gigs and events.

Founder Tess Taylor said the burglary happened during the early hours today.

She added: “It was a shock to come in and discover this - they must have used a crowbar to get through our security doors and into the safe.

“They also took some sound equipment - we will be speaking to our insurers.”

Ms Taylor said police were checking CCTV.

She added that the Tap Social was closed during the day while police investigated but was reopening tonight.

Ms Taylor said the sound equipment which was stolen was recently obtained in collaboration with Upcycled Sounds and Tandem Festival.

She added: "We were devastated to discover the burglary had taken place this morning.

"Unfortunately the losses will be quite substantial - as a social enterprise we have a very limited budget for building insurance, and much of the loss is not covered by our insurance policy.

"We’re really grateful for the outpouring of support and kind messages that we’ve already received from the community."