Broseley butcher 'devastated' after shop trashed in burglary spree
A Shropshire butcher has spoken of his "devastation" after his shop and at least five other properties nearby were ransacked in a wrecking spree.
The front door of Andrew's Family Butchers in Broseley was smashed through in the early hours of Thursday.
Large amounts of cash were stolen during the raid, which was conducted in a "haphazard manner".
The doors and windows of a number of properties in the area were also forced or smashed open, with valuable items being stolen.
Police say it is possible they are linked to a number of similar burglaries that took place in Much Wenlock this week.
Andrew Popsys, owner of the butchers in Barber Street was called by police at 3am in the morning.
The 30-year-old's neighbouring restaurant Butcher's Kitchen, which was set to open in about three weeks, was also hit.
He said: "They've smashed through the front door, trashed the shop, trashed the offices and taken a decent amount of money and cheque books.
"We've never had anything like this happen before. Apparently it's the first shop break-in in Broseley for years. The place was trashed when I came in this morning.
"I'm devastated really. We've lost a days trade – we're hoping to be back open in the afternoon but we'll see how we get on cleaning up."
Trail of blood
After receiving calls from a number of residents, police arrived at the scene within fifteen minutes and conducted a search in High Street area.
The burglars are understood to have injured themselves in the process, leaving a trail of blood through the butchers.
Mr Popsys added: "There's a lot of blood everywhere from where they've climbed through the door and smashed the glass. They must be bleeding to death somewhere.
"I got a call from the police at 3am. We're just opening a restaurant next door as well and that's all been trashed.
"The new restaurant was meant to be open in the next few weeks, it's going to be a steakhouse and we'll trace all the meet from farm to butcher to restaurant. `
"The opening won't be delayed, they've just trashed all the office in there.
"They climbed into the window and broke into the flat above us as well. It's absolutely bonkers."
Police are appealing for anyone who saw anything or might know any information that could assist in identifying who was involved to come forward.
Crime scene officers have attended a number of the properties to collect forensic evidence and a further investigation will take place.
A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "Several burglaries and attempted burglaries were reported to the police on the morning of Thursday.
"Doors and windows to a number of premises had been forced or smashed open by an unknown offender, or offenders, and items stolen.
"Officers were on the scene within fifteen minutes and conducted a search in the area of the High Street. A further unreported burglary at a commercial premises was quickly identified.
"So far the police have identified that at least six properties have been targeted. The burglaries were conducted in a haphazard manner and it is believed that the offender has probably injured themselves, specifically cuts to their hands.
"Given the modus operandi used in these crimes, it is possible that they are linked to a number of similar offences that took place in Much Wenlock earlier this week."
The butchers was formerly called Simon Gibbons Butchers until Mr Gibbons was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. After 25 years running Simon Gibbons Butchers, he had to sell the business last year.
Anyone with any information should call the police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
