Spate of burglaries targeting businesses

Police in Devon are appealing for information following a spate of burglaries targeting commercial properties.

The burglaries occurred at commercial premises in both Mid and East Devon between Thursday 16th January and Friday 31st January and it is suspected that a stolen vehicle on false number plates was used during the raids.

The vehicle, a Toyota 4x4 Hilux was stolen from a driveway of a property in Chevithorne near Tiverton on Monday 13th January.

This vehicle was recovered by Police in Avon & Somerset on.13th February having been abandoned in the Yeovil area.

The first burglary in the series occurred during the evening of Thursday 16th January at a commercial premises in Burlescombe near Tiverton.

Thieves forced the door and stole a yellow Suzuki 125cc off road motor cycle valued at £800.

On Tuesday 28th January a commercial premises in Axminster was attacked during the early evening.

The offenders forced open a door to the premises and following a search attempted to steal power tools. However they were disturbed by a member of the public and they made off in a vehicle empty handed.

On Friday 31st January, during the evening a commercial premises on a business park in Cullompton was attacked.

The offenders forced open a door with a sledge hammer and once inside stole a quantity of power washers valued in excess of £3,000 together with £50 in cash.

Police are advising business owners to ensure they have adequate security measures in place, to be vigilant of this type of crime and to report any suspicious activity.

Police are appealing for any information regarding these incidents to contact them on 101 quoting police reference KU/14/59 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report online at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org