BUSINESS owners in Fordingbridge are calling for more police presence in the town following a spate of break-ins over the weekend. 

Mike Penton's bakery The Cottage Loaf on High Street was one of the businesses targeted by thieves. 

The door, which was specially made, was smashed to gain entry and when the suspects were unable to find cash they took some cakes and scones instead. 

Also read: Three Fordingbridge businesses targeted by thieves over weekend

The burglary happened at around 4.05am on Sunday (March 13). 

All the stock had to be thrown away due to the broken glass left behind at the scene. 

Mike says he is finding it "frustrating" especially with reports of other break-ins in the town as well as antisocial behaviour and feels there are "not enough police on the streets".

"It seems to be getting worse and worse. I feel very vulnerable having a shop in the High Street unprotected."

This is not the first time the business has been broken into. It happened back in 2018 and after that, Mike invested in upgrading the CCTV. 

"They must be so sure they are not going to be caught or don't care. There definitely needs to be more police," he added.

"It is just frustrating more than anything. There are not many shops left in High Street and they need to feel some level of protection."

This, he said, is the same for the town as a whole and not just for businesses. 

"In Fordingbridge you've only got to look at social media to see how often it's happening."

Also read: Business owner left 'heartbroken' and 'numb' after break-in

"It makes me worry as a business owner. My business insurance goes skyrocketing and I'll lose my excess again," explains Mike who says the damage, loss of stock and a days earnings runs into the thousands.

"There was no cash. It was all for some scones and cakes."

"I'd love to see regular patrols in the evening and CCTV in the town centre. Anything is better than nothing."

Carl Hillwood's salon on the High Street was also targeted. The glass entrance was smashed but the suspect(s) did not get inside.

The attempted burglary happened between 8pm on Saturday (March 12) and 8am on Sunday (March 13).

"We got off lightly if I'm honest," admits Carl. "For us the damage and the impact was minimal."

But he says it is "worrying" with incidents like this "ramping up" in the town and that there are no police stations locally in Fordingbridge or Ringwood. 

"It is a worry. Probably funding is difficult and they can't afford to have a police officer in Fordingbridge High Street every day. I'd like to see a police car come through in the morning or a couple of times through the evening," he added. 

"If there was a police presence even going through in a car once or twice a night would be good. 

"The other thing we need is CCTV in Fordingbridge.

"It is difficult for the police but it would be nice to see more of a presence just to try and stop these guys and make them think they'll get caught."

The Dolls House Restaurant and Tearoom was broken into between 4pm on Saturday (March 12) and 8am on Sunday (March 13).

The mayor of Fordingbridge, Cllr Edward Hale said: "It is very annoying to hear that businesses in Fordingbridge have been targeted for break-ins again over the last weekend. Many traders are already struggling in the current conditions and the break-ins cause them more disruption.

"There have been other burglaries in the last few weeks and reports of suspicious activities. I can understand why our businesses are asking for better crime prevention in this town.

"The recently elected Hampshire Crime Commissioner promised more police on the streets. I will try to find out what has happened to these extra police, as they certainly are not on the streets of Fordingbridge."

New Forest District Commander, Chief Inspector Helen Andrews, added: “We fully appreciate the devastating impact that incidents such as those that occurred on the High Street over the weekend can have on the livelihoods of local residents and local business owners. Our officers have been carrying out initial enquiries over the past few days and working closely with victims to secure evidence which may help aid our investigations and identify who might be responsible for these crimes.

“Local officers have been, and will continue to, conduct high-visibility routine patrols in the local area at various times of the day to provide a heightened police presence in the community and give residents the opportunity to approach officers if they have any knowledge about the incidents which have taken place recently or have any other concerns they may wish to raise with us.

“We ensure that we review all crime reports from the area on a daily basis, seeking to establish relevant lines of enquiry and where possible, investigate these incidents further with the co-operation of the victims. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to pursue every possible report, however, what this does do is build up a bigger picture of possible crime trends and patterns in the area. Our officers can then tailor where we put further emphasis on resources in order to combat ongoing issues in specific areas when they are raised or reported to us by members of the community.

“We are fully committed to protecting our local community and we would urge you to continue to report anything suspicious of if you’ve been a victim of crime by calling 101, or reporting via the Hampshire Constabulary website. As always, if it is an emergency, please dial 999 immediately.”

 

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