Wyre Forest Pubs Warned After Sneak-In Burglaries
Police have issued a warning to pubs in Wyre Forest to be on their guard after two recent sneak-in burglaries during which a substantial amount of cash was stolen.
Landlords are also being urged to review their general security in the light of the thefts. Officers believe the offences may be linked due to similarities in when and how they were committed.
Both of the pubs are on the outskirts of Kidderminster but do not want to be identified.
They were both burgled by sneak-in thieves on Sunday afternoons, one on 10 June and the other on 1 July. In each case flats were entered and searched.
At one of the pubs keys were located to a safe and several thousands of pounds of cash taken. Around £1,000 was taken from the other pub where bank cards were also stolen from a handbag.
Police have been visiting pubs in the area this week to warn them and give them security advice such as locking access doors between public and private areas.
PC Andy Wallace said: "We are also asking landlords to consider installing CCTV if they have not already done so, along with alarms and window locks.
"Pubs may be a target because the thieves know there is money there. Landlords are being asked to keep as little cash as possible on the premises and if they have safes to ensure the keys are well hidden.
"We have also asked them to tell their staff what has happened and to look out for anyone acting in a suspicious manner."
PC Wallace added that any suspicious behaviour in or around such premises should be reported to the police immediately on the non-emergency number 101, or if an offence was taking place by dialling 999.
Anyone with information about the pub burglaries should call Kidderminster CID on 101, quoting the reference 647-S-010712. Details can also be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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