FED-UP businesses in Barnsley town centre are in discussions to hold crisis talks after a series of break-ins.
Following last week’s raids at The Courthouse, on Regent Street, and Bistro Romano’s, Jock’s Cavern, Alexander cocktail bar and The Grill Pit, all on Shambles Street, calls have been made this week for South Yorkshire Police to step up and alleviate fears for businesses in the area who claim they are ‘sitting ducks’.
Paul McNicholas, who runs Annie Murray’s, an Irish bar on Market Hill, said: “Early talks have been held about arranging a meeting for businesses to attend after the recent spate of break-ins.
“The annoying thing is that it isn’t just a thing that’s recently reared its head again - it’s been going on weekly for the last 18 months and that isn’t fair. There has been a resurgence in the last week, but it hasn’t ever stopped this year and little seems to be done.
“We understand the police have had to have cutbacks and their job is difficult, but we just want some form of protection as these aren’t isolated incidents. Break-ins have happened on most days during the week so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when they do happen, but they always take place in the early hours of a morning.”
More patrols have been called for this week after affected businesses passed on CCTV footage to the police - all of which contains hooded burglars using crowbars to gain entry.
“I mean it when I say just about every business in the town centre will have been hit by a break-in at some point,” Paul said. “You can put new alarm systems in and invest in better CCTV, but you’re always waiting for your phone to ring about the next burglary.
“It’s disheartening for us and something must be done, once and for all. The Grill Pit, Jock’s Cavern and my place have all been hit several times.”
Last week, new cocktail bar Alexander had been open just two nights before it was targeted by burglars who smashed in a door and stole two tills and a wallet, which led the police to issue an appeal for information.
In recent cases, no further damage has been caused, leading businesses to believe those responsible are targeting money.
Laura Clegg, manager at The Grill Pit, said: “Our latest break-in happened last Thursday in the early hours. CCTV shows them breaking a window and checking the till, but nothing was in so they didn’t get away with a penny.
“It’s upsetting but it’s becoming the normal thing to happen in the town centre recently. We did report the incident to police and we were told two people have been arrested this week.”
