Businesses are urged to review security systems and make it clear that there is no cash on the premises overnight.
This month, 11 businesses in Penarth and Barry have been broken into or been subject to attempt burglary. Small independent businesses and larger premises have been hit.
Common themes of the recent burglaries are:
- Committed overnight.
- Entry gained by smashing doors or windows.
- Cash stolen from tills.
As part of the police response, detectives are reviewing forensic opportunities, speaking to witnesses and viewing CCTV, to identify and arrest those responsible.
Local Policing Inspector for Penarth, Abi Biddle, said: “Being a victim of burglary, whether it’s your home, your business, or where you work is a traumatic experience and we are working hard to put a stop to this recent rise in commercial burglaries.
“We believe that one or two groups of people are responsible because of the similarities in the offences.
“We would ask business to review their security systems and also make it clear that there is no cash on the premises overnight”
The most recent burglaries happened during the early hours of this morning (Wednesday, September 20) in Terra Nova Way, Penarth and three overnight in Barry in Holton Road, Stirling Road and the Waterfront Retail Park.
One man has been arrested in connection with last night’s burglary in Penarth.
Inspector Biddle added: “ “We would ask people to be vigilant of anyone seen hanging around businesses or retail premises during the early hours of the morning.
“If anyone is seen acting suspiciously please call police immediately on 999.”
Anyone with information on who is involved in these burglaries is asked to contact South Wales Police by one of the following means.
- Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
- Report online https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report
- Email [email protected]
- 101
Always call 999 in an emergency.
