Businesses are warned to tighten security after break-ins that police believe may be connected
PENARTH councillors have suggested an increased police presence to tackle a spike in burglaries at businesses, including at Ty Hafan.
But Inspector Abi Biddle told last week’s town council that the number of burglaries and incidents of shoplifting were in line with national figures and the force’s investigations were ongoing.
“We believe that one or two groups of people are responsible because the offences are so similar,” she said.
“They go for meat and alcohol, meat especially has a high resale value, so it tends to be targeted in shops.”
Stores want to use their high value items to bring in customers but the police would prefer if they were kept in a safer place, she added.
At the October town council meeting, Insp Biddle said two arrests had been made in connection with burglaries and thefts. None has been made since.
This graph shows the significant spike in burglaries in September, the most recent month for which statistics are available. Businesses targeted in a two-week period included Foxy’s Deli, Café 64, Pizza Pronto and Allan Sadler.
Tŷ Hafan on Stanwell Road was broken into in October with cash and clothing stolen, while Penarth Lawn Tennis Club was broken into on November 4 and Penarth Athletic Club was hit the following evening.
Police reports suggest most of the burglaries followed a similar pattern. The offences took place overnight, with windows and doors smashed before money was stolen from the tills.
The Crime Survey for England and Wales indicates a 25% increase in shoplifting from June 2022 to June 2023.
However, the Office for National Statistics also reported that other types of theft such as burglary have fallen, out of line with the spike in Penarth.
South Wales Police has called for Penarth business owners to check their security systems are up to date. Residents are asked to call 999 if they see anyone acting suspiciously around retail areas late at night.
