Burglary update: Police confirm 11 more businesses were targeted

Morecambe Town Hall suffered a break-in last week.

At least 16 premises in the local area have been targeted.

Police believe a safe cracking gang is responsible for some of the break-ins in Morecambe, Heysham and Bolton-le-Sands and have warned businesses to be on their guard.

Morecambe Town Hall, Betfred betting shop on Westgate, the Packet Bridge chippy at Bolton-le-Sands and Store 21 in Morecambe town centre all suffered break-ins over the past 12 days.

Then police confirmed there were also recent burglaries or attempted burglaries at the Gulf Garage/Sands News on the Coastal Road at Bolton-le-Sands, the Spar at Bolton-le-Sands, McGaffigans Lawn and Leisure at Bolton-le-Sands, the Jubilee Garage at Bolton-le-Sands, Pedder Street News in Morecambe, Bay View Cars at Heysham, Westgate Tyres in Morecambe, the Precinct Chippy at Westgate, Greggs at Westgate, the Premier Shop on Princes Crescent in Bare, the Premier Shop on Kingsway and the Crown Hotel in Morecambe.

The burglary at Morecambe Town Hall happened overnight on Thursday and Friday.

It is believed the gang cut open safes in the Marine Road building but found no cash.

Instead, they knocked through doors, smashed windows, then made off with Morecambe Carnival cups from a display case in the foyer and antique silver pieces from upstairs. The town hall was closed on Friday while police combed the building for clues.

Councillor Darren Clifford, chairman of Morecambe Town Council, said: “It’s disappointing. Who would rob a town hall?

“We’re trying to get back to normal as quickly as possible.

“I want to pay tribute to the police, and staff who were here on Saturday cleaning the place up.”

Police were then called to the Store 21 shop on Euston Road at around 7.15am on Friday.

The front door had been forced open and the safe removed.

Around £2,600 was taken and £900 damage caused.

A police spokesman said: “We are investigating a series of thefts and burglaries in the Morecambe area.Detectives believe thefts from several commercial properties are linked. We would advise business owners check their security systems are up to date and keep doors and windows locked.”

Anyone with information on any of these crimes should contact police on 101 or the freephone confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111 quoting reference number WB1508252.