Firms hit by crowbar thief in break-in spree across two nights

Over two nights break-ins and attempted break-ins have taken place at shops in the town. Police are treating the incidents as connected.

The Holmbush Café was broken in to on the night of Monday, June 13 when a small window was smashed and the top part of a glazed door was cleared of glass before the offender climbed in.

The person stole an RNLI boat-shaped charity box and a microwave.

This was followed by four other incidents in one night.

On the night of Wednesday, June 15, a shop in Coombe Street had its front door badly damaged in order to gain entry and cash and three money boxes were stolen, the boxes were in the shape of an elephant, a VW Camper and a pig.

Police said a crowbar or something similar was used to gain entry and the damaged cause disruption to the business as well as expense due to the damage to the door.

Cash is no longer kept on these premises.

Police said on the same night, there were attempts to break-in to the Old Bonded Store, Jane’s café and the Antique Centre, all in the area of the Cobb and Marine Parade.

Entry was not gained to these premises but damage was caused to the shops.

PC Richard Winward of Lyme Regis police said that they are treating the crimes as connected.

He said: “With the summer season underway, businesses must seriously consider their security. This means not leaving cash on the premises overnight, considering alarms and CCTV.

“Forensic examinations have been carried out at the burgled premises, but the assistance of the people living or staying in Lyme Regis is needed.

“A microwave has been stolen. If we can find where this has gone, then we have a good chance of finding the person responsible for all these burglaries and attempts.”

A crowbar was used to force the doors in each incident.

All of the doors were wooden and police have said businesses should make sure they have a working alarm and CCTV.

Anyone with information about the incidents should call Dorset Police on 101.