Police warn businesses following spate of burglaries

Officers across Dorset are working with local businesses to raise awareness of commercial burglary, following a spate of crimes in the county.

Since May 2009, there have been 25 commercial burglaries (all non-residential burglaries, primarily shops and garages) the majority of which occurred at Christchurch and Bournemouth-based businesses.

Acting Chief Inspector Michael Mullen, who is leading the investigation into the burglaries, said: “In some instances, the burglars are believed to have been posing as BT engineers in florescent jackets.

“In the majority of cases, the offenders have disabled the alarm/telephone wires.

“We are encouraging shop and garage owners to ensure that if they attend an alarm activation at their premises that they make contact with the police irrespective of whether a burglary has occurred or not.”

Police are issuing the following advice to the business community in relation to the investigation:

Be aware of any interruption to telecom systems, line or alarm faults.
Be vigilant in respect of people seen in the immediate vicinity of your business.
Be aware of bogus callers and always ask for ID.
In the event of an alarm activation, the key holder must immediately contact the police.

Acting Chief Inspector Mullen, continued: “We want to work with businesses to help prevent them from becoming victims of crime”