STAFF were shocked to discover a burglar had broken into their gym and stolen tubs of protein powder and vitamins...but no cash.

Tamzin Plank, manager of Cheetahs Gym, in Kingsway House, Church Road, Hove, said a man had climbed through the kitchen window and entered the reception area.

She said colleagues were surprised he did not make any attempt to steal cash but bizarrely went for health supplements instead.

So far, police have not identified the suspect in the CCTV image.

She said: “He took a few large and small tubs of protein powder, a bottle of collagen, some health supplements, a few T-shirts, vitamins and other bits and bobs.

“He took those products from our shelves, which are full of different things.

“It was very strange he did not try to take money from the till or from our three charity boxes.

“The charity boxes were near the till, you can’t miss them.

“We just couldn’t understand that.

“He didn’t smash anything while he was inside, but he threw a couple of T-shirts down from the shelves.

“What we know is he climbed through the kitchen window and he was really quiet because he didn’t set off the security alarm.

“From the CCTV footage, he was inside for almost ten minutes.

“He looked really nervous and was really frantic. He was just taking whatever he could. He was very thin and an opportunist. We took out the window on Wednesday and installed a new one yesterday. Police came and took some forensic evidence.”

Ms Plank said the gym had never been broken into until Tuesday.

She added: “It could have been worse, our staff members could have been hurt.

“We were very surprised about the burglary because it’s generally a safe area down here.

“Even after we close the gym, there are still a lot of people out and about. It’s a very busy street.”

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “The incident is reported to have occurred about 11pm on Tuesday, July 24.

“Items including tubs of protein powder were stolen. Forensics have been carried out at the scene and enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 346 of 25/07 or visit the Crimestoppers website.