Oswestry businesses hit by spate of burglaries

Officers are investigating after a number of break-ins to commercial properties in the Oswestry area.

The break-ins happened within the space of four days but West Mercia Police has been unable to confirm yet whether the burglaries are linked.

However, they have confirmed one man has been arrested so far relating to one of the offences.

The first incident saw cabins at a building site in Whittington Road, Oswestry, broken into and a number of power and hand tools stolen, sometime overnight between 6pm on April 28 and 7am on April 29.

On the same night, a container at a construction site attached to a hotel in Maesbury Road, Oswestry, was attacked. Locks and chains were damaged and electric cable stolen.

Almost a day later, sometime between 9.40pm on April 29 and 10am on May 1, plumbing items were taken from a college workshop in Shrewsbury Road, Oswestry.

While on May 1 at about 5.15am, police say a man climbed into a room at a hotel in Church Street, Oswestry, and attempted to steal a handbag.

Police were alerted, and the handbag was recovered, with the suspected offender arrested shortly afterwards.

As well as business premises, one residential property was raided in the town sometime between 4.45pm on April 28 and 1pm on April 29.

The break-in happened on Shaw Park, Weston Lane, which saw three barrels of red diesel, two cans of petrol, a Bosch dishwasher and a Bosch fridge stolen.

Inspector Nigel Morgan for West Mercia Police said: "Being a victim of burglary is very distressing and we're urging communities to protect their precious memories which could be stolen if their home is burgled.

"We are aware of the recent spate of burglaries in the Oswestry area and are doing all we can to trace those responsible.

"I would like to reassure residents and business owners that we are actively investigating these incidents. Domestic and commercial burglary will not be tolerated. Crimes such as these can have a devastating affect on the victims.

"Enquiries are ongoing to see if these burglaries are linked. We would encourage residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police."

Anyone with any information about the burglaries or saw anything suspicious in the area during those times and dates are asked to call West Mercia Police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org