We are living in fear - traders hit out over raids
SHOP owners have reacted with disgust after their town was besieged by a spate of break- ins this week.
At least five businesses - some newly opened - in Bacup were targeted between June 20 and 23 amid claims shop owners are ‘ living in fear’. It has also led to renewed calls for greater police presence on the beat.
Mrs Potts cafe, on King Street, Bacup was broken into on June 20, with a coffee machine worth £ 1,500 stolen, alongside four blenders estimated at between £ 50 to £ 70, and the till.
Mum Jennifer Sykes, who opened the business in February having only just recovered from treatment for bowel cancer, was forced to close the “trashed” cafe for a day to repair the damage. She said: “The cafe is my baby, and my new beginning. I have had to replace everything from the fridges. I’ve had to
cancel on people and it’s not good for business.”
Sweet shop Kandy Corner, on Bankside Lane, Bacup has been targeted for the second time in six weeks - and fourth time overall.
Fed-up owner Diane Hart said she is left considering giving up the shop after the windows were smashed ‘in broad daylight’ at around 8.30pm on June 23.
She said: “My initial reaction was ‘ I’ve had enough now’. It’s taken its toll more than I would probably dare to admit. I’m still very despondent. I’ve got loads of lovely customers, but for the first time I’m not really sure I particularly want to go back into the shop again.”
She added: “It’s not good for any business to be subjected to this and be living in fear of it.”
An attempted burglary was made from Petes Butcher in Bacup Market on June 23, and takeaway Pavillion Express, on Burnley Road, Bacup was burgled on June 18 and June 21.
Coffee shop 1832 Barista, which opened recently on St James Street, Bacup, posted on Facebook on June 21 that it had been broken into.
Elliot Rooke, owner of Affordable Pets, says his business in Waterfoot was also broken into again, having been repeatedly targeted.
A burglar tripped an alarm on the shop floor on June 20, sending an alert to co- owner Elliot’s phone.
Elliot said: “He came through the roof, and cut a hole through the flashing. As we pulled up he saw our lights and looked through the window, then ran upstairs and out the way he came in.”
Simon Vincent, 26, of Thorn Bank, Bacup, has admitted being behind some of the break ins when he appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court. He has admitted criminal damage to Kandy Corner sweet shop, criminal damage to a property in Bacup, two counts of burglary at Pavillion Express, Bacup, a burglary at Affordable Pets in Waterfoot, and attempted burglary at Bacup Market. He was remanded in custody pending his sentence at Burnley Crown Court on July 26.
Afterwards, Rossendale Police posted on Facebook: “We know that the business community in Bacup have been concerned due to recent crime and we hope this result will both reassure business owners and prevent further crime. May we thank the members of public that have supported us with this investigation, as between us we have brought about a positive result that will no doubt provide reassurance for the wider community.”