Businesses in Thanet, Whitstable, Canterbury, Herne Bay and Deal targeted by burglars
Published: 13:33, 08 May 2019
Updated: 14:06, 09 May 2019
Businesses across east Kent have been targeted by thieves in an overnight burglary spree.
Police received 11 reports of burglaries, and attempts, in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday (May 6).
Officers are linking the incidents, in which several safes were stolen.
Most premises targeted are businesses, although some residential properties have also reported break-ins.
Reports include:
- A burglary at an office in Alland Grange Lane in Manston between 4am and 4.20am on May where the door was damaged, but nothing stolen. (46/85706/19)
- An attempted burglary at a caravan site in Manston, between 2.30am and 2.35am o May 6. (46/85644/19)
- A burglary at commercial premises in Margate Road in Broadstairs at about 2.50am on May 6. Nothing was reported stolen. (46/85654/19)
- A safe was stolen during a burglary at a social club in Camden Road, Ramsgate at about 4am on May 6. (06-0421)
- Attempted burglary at commercial premises in Hengist Road, Birchington at about 3.50am on May 6.(06-0235)
- An attempted burglary at a café in St Mildreds Road in Westgate-on-Sea at about 3.30am on May 6. (06-1401)
- A safe was reported stolen during a burglary at an industrial unit in Pysons Road, Broadstairs at about 2.30am on May 6. (06-127)
- A safe and GPS devices were reported stolen from a shed in Betteshanger Country Park, in Sandwich Road, Sholden overnight between May 5 and 6. (06-0338)
- A container was broken into in Chestfield Road, Whitstable between Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 where confectionary was reported stolen. (06-0384)
- A window was smashed at Grove Ferry Boat Club in Canterbury overnight between Sunday, May 5 and Monday, May 6, where cash was taken. (06-0303)
- A burglary at Wildwood gift shop in Herne Bay overnight between Sunday, May 5 and Monday, May 6. Inquiries are ongoing to determine what has been stolen. (06-0276)
Officers are currently treating the reports as linked, and are appealing for residents to check their CCTV systems in case they may have captured something which might assist the investigation.
Sergeant Steve Moat from Thanet Community Safety Unit said: "It is very unusual to have this many burglaries in one night, especially as the suspects would have covered a large geographical area, and we are sure that someone will know who is responsible for these offences.
"We want to thank everyone who has come forward already and spoken to officers about the burglaries, and I urge any business owners who think their premises may have been targeted, who have not yet reported it, to call 101 with the details.’
"Witnesses to any of the reports are asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting the relevant reference number."
Read more: All the latest news from Thanet
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Katie Davis