SMALL businesses in Dorchester are being warned after a spate of commercial burglaries in the town.

Ten firms have been hit in night-time raids over a six-week period, with thieves making off with cash and valuable electrical items.

Police are now urging businesses to review their security measures to make sure they don’t become the next victims.

Inspector Les Fry of Dorchester Police said: “All of the burglaries have occurred overnight and most of them have been committed during the week.

“Five of the burglaries have been to premises on trading estates with the others being along main roads in the town – windows and doors were forced to gain entry in the majority of cases.

“This is an unusual rise in such crimes and we are keen to identify those carrying out these burglaries.

“It’s quite likely that the same people may be responsible for several, if not all of the incidents.”

Manager of Dorchester Timber at the Marabout Industrial Estate Roy Hallett said his business had been burgled twice in recent weeks, with the perpetrators making off with cash and power tools.

He said: “Hardworking people are being targeted and everything we do to combat it doesn’t seem to make a difference.

“It’s very disheartening, every time we get ahead it knocks us back.”

Insp Fry is now appealing to the public and urging anyone who hears anything about the burglaries to come forward.

He said: “We’d like to hear from anyone who has any information.

“It’s likely that someone in the town will know who is responsible and I’d urge these residents to do the right thing and call us.”

Insp Fry added: “I’d also like to warn proprietors of small businesses to look closely at their security measures, in order to reduce the risk of becoming a victim, and to report any suspicious activity to the police.”

Business owners can get more information and security advice at www.dorset.police.uk

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 01305 222222.