Police investigate spate of burglaries at Lancaster city centre businesses

Wednesday, 18 September 2024 07:47

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Marula Monkey cocktail bar and restaurant was one of the businesses to suffer a break-in. Image from Marula Monkey Facebook page.

Police are investigating after a spate of break-ins at Lancaster city centre eateries

A number of businesses have been targeted over the past few weeks.

Det Insp Adie Knowles of Lancaster Police, speaking on Beyond Radio, said that "most of them have been a very similar method of smashing front door windows intending to steal floats and tills or alcohol, things they can easily get their hands on".

There was a break-in at the Stonewell Spring Delicatessen and Wine Bar on September 4-5, where offenders climbed over the gate, smashed glass and went into the till drawer.

During the early hours of Monday, September 16, culprits used a rock to smash glass, target the till drawer and steal three bottles of spirits at The Quarterhouse restaurant on Moor Lane in Lancaster.

There were also burglaries at the Marula Monkey cocktail bar and restaurant on Sun Street, and the rear of the former Marco's Italian restaurant on North Road, within around 10 minutes of each other on September 16 just before midnight.

A man wearing a hoodie and gloves was seen in the vicinity.

Det Insp Knowles, speaking on his regular 'Beyond the Beat' on Beyond Radio, also said police need to do more to protect businesses.

"We need to do everything we can...it's hard enough to run a business without being a victim of crime, in current circumstances," he said.

"Bobbies on nights need to get out and walk, and turn people over. That's what we need to do, to protect these businesses.

"We have to investigate as far as we can and get out and be proactive and stop them happening.

"If anyone has any information, is offered any stolen spirits or might have a clue of who is doing it, please pass that information to us."

Call police on 101 or Crime Stoppers confidentially on 0800 555111.

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