Lancashire Businesses Targeted In Spate Of Burglaries

Businesses in Rawtenstall and Crawshawbooth are appealing for help in catching a burglar who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to their premises in a series of raids at the end of last month.

The Lancashire Telegraph revealed that pubs, butchers and hairdressing salons were among those targeted by the criminal.

The Whip and Kitten Bar in Rawtenstall was one of the businesses affected. Bryony Payne, who has been running the bar for nearly a year, told the news provider that it was the “worst morning ever” to come in and discover the damage that had been caused.

Several windows were broken and the till in the bar had been stolen, she said. “When we got the call, the police were already there and found that the staff tips had been taken and the till floats and then the till worth £1,000 was stolen,” Ms Payne explained.

She added that the police told them that around 12 businesses in the area were targeted between 1.30am and 6am on the night of the 27/28 September.

Ms Payne also told the newspaper that she thinks the break-ins have affected the community’s spirit.

Rossendale Police told the news provider that they’re still investigating the incidents and have CCTV footage as well as forensic evidence.

Businesses that want some additional protection and peace of mind may want to consider investing in steel roller shutters to make it more difficult for burglars to break into their premises.

Lancashire isn’t the only area that’s recently experienced a spate of burglaries. In August, businesses in Cambridge were urged to evaluate their security after a series of break-ins carried out in Cambridge city centre during July.