POLICE are investigating the possibility that a spate of burglaries at takeaway restaurants in Chester and Ellesmere Port could be linked.
The private living quarters of an Indian takeaway on Chester Street, Saltney and a Chinese restaurant on Vicars Cross Road, Chester were targeted on Saturday evening (January 7) with thieves making off with cash and clothing.
And not long afterwards, the occupants of Venue fish bar on Chester Road, Whitby, reported an attempted burglary within their living quarters. Although nothing was stolen, the culprits rifled through rooms and personal belongings.
It is believed in all three instances, the thieves gained entry via a flat roof between 4pm and 11pm.
Detective Sergeant Mike Ankers, leading the investigation, said: “Clearly, these crimes are all very similar in method and occurred on the same evening, and we believe the same person - or persons - are responsible.
“I would ask that any local residents who live in the vicinity of these takeaways think back to Saturday night and whether they saw or heard anyone behaving suspiciously, or attempting to gain access to roofs or the rear of any premises, to contact my team on 101 quoting incident 965 of 7th January.”
Detective Inspector Sharon Case, who heads up the Proactive Team of Western CID, added: “We are actively pursuing a number of lines of enquiry in relation to these burglaries and take this opportunity to advise takeaway owners and our business community as a whole to be vigilant and protect themselves against this type of crime.
“Ensure doors and windows are kept locked and secure, and deter thieves from accessing flat roofs by using anti-vandal paint and installing CCTV where appropriate.
“Similarly, we would always advise against keeping significant amounts of cash on the premises where possible.”
