Landlord ‘apoplectic’ as thieves target pub twice
Thieves have targeted a Bath pub two weekends in a row, leaving the owner “apoplectic”.
The Locksbrook Inn on Locksbrook Road in Bath was broken into twice with the thieves gaining entry to the pub the second time.
Overnight on Friday (March 5) to Saturday (March 6), they first broke into the garden and stole two large garden sofas.
They returned a week later and broke in overnight on Sunday (March 14) to Monday (March 15) to steal the cushions for the sofa, breaking into the pub itself and making off with speakers as well.
Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses and they are looking at CCTV footage of the break-in.
Joe Cussens is the managing director of The Bath Pub Company, which operates The Hare and Hounds in Lansdown, Marlborough Tavern and The Locksbrook Inn. He said: “I am apoplectic at this. It just is the last thing any business needs at the minute after being closed for so long.”
Mr Cussens said: “The sofas they made off with are large rattan ones which were secured to the decking using security cables which they cut through.
“This last Monday they came back and have stolen the cushions for the sofa and Sona’s speakers.
“How dare they do this - we have got enough to contend with. Why can’t people go out, get a decent living and buy what they want?
“There is never an excuse to steal other people’s stuff. We’ve been closed more often than not in the past year and we’re busy again preparing to reopen and now we have to pay to replace the sofas and stolen equipment, probably about £5,000 to replace it all.
“We’ve got images of them breaking in on our CCTV but they are wearing masks. In response we’re putting in better CCTV cameras that are very high definition.
“The police have said they’ll be patrolling the area due to increased activity and we’ve taken other measures too.
“The planning for reopening is going at full tilt and it is going to be terrific to be able to welcome locals back in - just a shame a few try to ruin it for the many.”
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said they are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
They said: “Thieves got into the garden of the Locksbrook Inn in Locksbrook Road overnight Friday 5 to Saturday 6 March and took garden furniture.
“This weekend, overnight Sunday 14 to Monday 15 March, burglars gained entry to the pub itself and stole speakers and the cushions for the garden furniture.”
The spokesman added: “Enquiries into both incidents continue, with forensic and CCTV examinations underway. Officers have also visited the pub to give reassurance and crime prevention advice.”
If you have any information which could help the investigation call 101 quoting reference 5221054926.
Alternatively, ring the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.