Trader fearing for his business after £25k theft

A newsagent has been burgled – losing what he estimates to be £25,000 of stock.

Bruce Rowland, of Bog Island News, Bath, said the break-in comes at a time when his trade has already dropped by 75 per cent because of the coronavirus crisis.

He has called on Bath and North East Somerset Council to help businesses by waiving or reducing rent for struggling enterprises.

Thieves forced open a rear window of the newsagent on Terrace Walk overnight between Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30.

They stole scratch cards, cash, and a large amount of cigarettes, tobacco and vaping products.

Mr Rowland says the culprits were seen on CCTV at around 2.26am. He said: “Three guys were seen walking along quite leisurely from here along Westgate Street and Monmouth Street, each one pulling a suitcase and with a backpack on their back. They took everything they could get crammed in.”

Mr Rowland is concerned about the impact on his business at a time when things are already tough due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Anyone with information can get in touch with Avon and Somerset Police quoting reference 5220117130.