Restaurants hit by spate of burglaries
ASOUTHPORT restaurant owner is warning others after his bistro was broken into twice in less than a week.
Mark Tyndall, of Lansdowne Bistro on Anchor Street, says his business was raided in the early morning of Monday, April 17 and again overnight on Thursday, April 20.
At about 6am on Monday, thieves gained access by breaking a rear window.
And in the early hours of Thursday, thieves forced entry through the same (boarded-up) window. Cash and bottles of spirits were taken on both occasions.
The break-ins came shortly after Gusto Trattoria in Lord Street was broken into twice in the space of two weeks, and Playtown on Ocean Plaza was ransacked by burglars.
The first raid on Gusto, which took place on April 4, resulted in a relatively small loss, but it is estimated that the thief took drink worth about £1,000 in the second theft on Easter Sunday.
During the early hours of Tuesday, April 18 burglars ransacked Playtown, emptying the tills and vending machines, and taking money raised for Comic Relief.
Gusto owner Giorgio Lamola said that he had been at the site for 11 years and never had a problem until now, while Mr Tyndall has said that the town’s police presence simply isn’t good enough.
Local policing inspector Graham Fisher said: “I would appeal for anybody who can help us with our investigations into these incidents to come forward.
“Business burglaries are not victimless crimes, they employ local people who just want to earn a living. Preventing these crimes is in everyone’s interest.
“We will continue to work with our local businesses to deter and prevent this type of crime and lock up those responsible. We are fully committed too dealing with crime throughout Sefton and do so daily, working alongside Sefton Council, partners, local businesses and members of the community.
“We undertake regular visible patrols and have introduced dispersal zones to tackle anti-social behaviour and other criminality in Southport.”
Anyone with information on any of the burglaries can call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, and free, on 0800 555111.