Arrest over £20,000 watches theft and other Shrewsbury break-ins

A spate of thefts, vandalism and anti-social behaviour have taken place in the town over the last couple of weekends.

Jewellers Goldmiths of Shrewsbury in the Square was one of the businesses targeted, where thousands of pounds worth of watches were stolen.

Shrewsbury inspector Saf Ali has confirmed that a man has been arrested in connection with the theft at Goldsmiths as well as Stop. Cafe in St Julian's Friars and The Allotment fruit and veg shop in Greyfriars Bridge, which were also targeted on Friday night.

"We have arrested someone and now they are being dealt with by CID," he said.

"It took place on Friday night. An officer on foot patrol was given information and stopped and searched him."

Another arrest has been made over a town centre assault on Saturday evening.

More:

• Litter louts dump 25,000 litres of rubbish - mostly booze bottles and cans - in Shrewsbury Quarry

• 'They make you want to tear your hair out' - Hairdresser's fury at thieving vandals

• Violence, vandalism and blood on Shrewsbury's streets: 'Pack it in plea' to yobs

Major concerns have been raised over anti-social behaviour, thefts and violence over the last week or so.

Over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, Strands hairdressers in Grope Lane was broken into and expensive equipment was stolen, while there was violence in Shoplatch, Victoria Quay and the Quarry.

Yet another break-in was reported in town this morning, at Nomad Coffee Co. in Wyle Cop.

In a social media post they said: "So... we came in to find that we have been broken into. Thankfully not much damage done and only some cash and cake lost, but it does mean that we will not be open until forensics show up to do their thing. Sad times.

"We will keep you posted. Have a great day guys we'll be back with you as soon as we can."

Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski said he is writing to West Mercia police and crime commissioner John Campion for a stronger police presence.

He said: "I have spent the weekend meeting with businesses which have had their shops smashed up through vandalism and break-ins.

"What is happening is unprecedented, I have never known anything like it in Shrewsbury in all my 16 years as an MP.

"I suspect one or two criminal gangs are taking advantage of the situation.

"I am writing to the police and crime commissioner John Campion saying that an increased police presence is needed at the moment."

Inspector Ali moved to reassure people that officers are on patrol and are ready and waiting to catch anti-social yobs.

"We've got officers on patrol and out late. If people see this kind of behaviour, let us know."

Members of the public can call the police 101 number to report crime, but Inspector Ali shared a list of local contacts to help speed up the reporting process.

They are:

• Castlefields and Bagley: cb.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

• Harlescott and Sundorne: hs.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

• Shrewsbury Rural West: shrewsburyrw.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

• Shrewsbury Rural East: shrewsburyre.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

• Shrewsbury Central and Monkmoor: shrewsburycentral.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

• Meole Brace and Copthorne: mcs.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk