Candle theft puts store on the brink
THE boss of a furniture store has said he is being pushed to the brink of closure because thieves keep smashing their way inside to steal candles.
John McCarthy owns Cardiff Bed & Furniture Centre in Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, and has traded there for the past 12 years. Burglars smashed their way into the store last week before making off with dozens of Yankee Candles. It is the fifth time in four years that this has happened.
Independent trader Mr McCarthy said as well as being £300 out of pocket for the stolen goods, he has also had to fork out more than £1,000 to fix the window.
He said: “I’m just fed up. They smash the glass and the alarm will go off, so they only have 30 seconds or so to get in and out.”
The 72-year-old, who has since beefed up security, added that the impact of the break-ins has been costly for him.
He added: “I’m just thinking whether it’s worth it, because I have to pay for replacement glass, insurance and other costs.
“There is also a loss of trade while closed, cost of repairs and stolen stock. All is not recoverable due to excess on policy.
“Multiple retailers would be able to spread the cost across several stores to minimise the effect – but it affects us so much as we are only one store.
“There is also the disruption while repairs are being carried out.
“It is not safe to open the store with so much broken glass around the store, so we are also losing trade as a result.”
South Wales Police has visited the crime scene and carried out forensic tests. Tools at officers’ disposal include access to CCTV cameras in the area, as well as DNA and fingerprint records of convicted criminals.
A spokeswoman said: “The burglary was reported on at 9.30am on Saturday, September 23.
“A window had been smashed and a quantity of candles have been stolen.
“Scenes of crime officers have examined the shop and officers are following up some positive lines of inquiry.”
Yankee Candles have proved popular since being launched in the UK, cn selling for as much as £25 per candle.
The force added that as well as the burglary, it warned that it was also a criminal offence for anyone to handle stolen goods.
Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously, quoting occurrence number 1900351815.