WE NEED MORE POLICE ON THE STREETS: Crimewave continues as firms fear they could go under if offenders aren't caught soon

One store has been hit twice in the space of three days and business owners and community leaders are calling on police to do more to find those responsible. 

Since January, 15 businesses have been burgled, some more than once, and police believe the crimes are linked.

As reported nine businesses were initially burgled in the space of a week.

Traders in Dorchester have previous said they feel 'totally abandoned' by police.

Pzazz Hair & Beauty Boutique on Great Western Road was burgled twice this month and owner Sara Lane says she is concerned over the future of the business.

"The burglers completely wiped us out of stock. And then we were hit again just three days later. It's unbelievable", she said.

"I don't understand why they came back there was nothing left to take. They stole a lot of our products and equipment. It was just devastating. 

"It's already been a tough first six months and this has set us back. We had to close for a few days and when we reopened we were unable to do a lot of the treatments as we had little products left.

"This has affected us so badly, I just don't know if we will able to remain open.

"I would like to thank all the local businesses for the immense support but police need to do more to help us out."

Days later after the second burglary at the boutique, Casterbridge Chiropractic Clinic on Icen Way was burgled. 

Owner Quentin Standish-Hayes said: "Someone had broken in and had taken our safe and cash tin. They had rummaged through all the drawers but thankfully nothing else was taken. 

"The window they broke in through will have to be replaced. 

"We managed to keep the clinic open but it did inconvenience our patients as we couldn't use our treatment room.

"We are going to be moving to a new premises before long and we will definitely be looking at more security and CCTV."

A spokesman for Dorset Police confirmed the first incident at Pzazz Hair and Beauty occurred sometime between 6pm on Thursday, February 16 and 9am on Friday, February 17.

The second incident occurred sometime between 5pm on Saturday, February 18 and 8am on Monday, February 20. 

Police Constable Andrea Watson, of Dorchester police, said: “These two burglaries have made a huge impact on the business.

“During the first incident it is believed that the offenders may have transported the stolen items out of the building in a towel bin.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in Great Western Road at the relevant times to please contact Dorset Police.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who has been offered any hair or beauty products for sale in unusual circumstances.”

Casterbridge Chiropractic Clinic was burgled sometime between 6.30pm on Tuesday, February 21 and 7.30pm on Wednesday, February 22.

Deputy Neighbourhood Inspector Matt Chutter said: “We are currently investigating a number of burglaries at businesses in Dorchester that have occurred this month which we believe are linked."

Neighbourhood policing patrols are to be stepped up in the area. 

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email at 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55170024237 for Pzazz Hair & Beauty and 55170026730 for the clinic.

DISTRICT and town councillor David Taylor said he wants to see more police on the streets to ensure the community is safe.

He is also calling for the councils and county town organisations to pull together to help stamp out the problem.

He said: “This is very distressing for the business community. There are a lot of hardworking, independent retailers in our town and something needs to be done to stop the burglaries. 

“Has there been any back-up and support to help the victims? More needs to be done. This includes the police, Dorchester BID, Dorchester Chamber and the councils.

“We all need to be taking to each other about this to try to stamp it out. 

“Three years ago rural crime in this area was horrendous but we all pulled together and police stepped up patrols and although has not 100 per cent stopped, rural crime has declined majorly and people know what to look out for now.

Dorchester is becoming a very popular and prosperous town and we want it to stay that way, we don’t want businesses leaving because of this crimewave. And we don’t want people feeling unsafe.

“I would ask businesses to make sure they do everything they can at their end to ensure their premises is safe and if anyone sees anything suspicious they should report it immediately. 

“My heartfelt wishes go out to the victims of these crimes and I hope this can be resolved.”