Police are urging local businesses not to leave cash on their premises overnight after several burglaries across North Somerset.
Officers say they are investigating a spate of overnight burglaries at cafes, restaurants and takeaways in which thieves are stealing tills, tip jars and even charity collection boxes.
A Police spokesman said: “In the past fortnight thieves have broken into two businesses in Weston and there was an attempt at a third.”
“One local restaurant owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said he felt he could “trust no one” after the burglary.”
He said: “They broke the window, cut the phone line and forced entry to my office. They took all the money: change for the tills and some of the wages for my staff. It has had a great impact. I couldn’t pay some of my staff on time. As well as the the stolen cash there is the cost of repairs.”
PC Peter Rooke is one of two officers dedicated to looking into these and other burglaries. He urges other businesses to act to make life difficult for would-be thieves.
He said: “These are local businesses and these break-ins have a significant impact. My advice is to review your security arrangements. Make sure first-floor windows are secure and difficult to access. The key thing is to take the time to bank your cash at the end of the day – including any tips – or to put it into a high-specification safe which would take thieves a long time to access.”
“If you live near to a small business and hear anything suspicious in the night please take a look, if you feel safe to do so. If you see anyone acting suspiciously call us straight away. Ring 999 if they’re clearly breaking in, otherwise call 101 – call handlers are on duty 24/7.”
