Raided store's neighbour was also a robbery victim

A trader based next door to the scene of a Derby city centre shop targeted by thieves on Monday has revealed his store was also recently robbed.

Three people in masks and black clothing targeted Ramsdens Pawnbrokers, in St Peter's Street on Monday 14 July. Police have since arrested two people in relation to the incident.

Ibrahim Faheed, who runs mobile phone shop Cell Fix, said a thief stole about £4,500 worth of mobile phones, speakers and cash from his store in the early hours of 28 May.

Mr Faheed told the BBC he felt St Peter's Street had become a "very threatening" place following a number of violent incidents, including a fatal stabbing at a nearby bank.

Mr Faheed said a lone person broke through the back door of his shop at about 02:00 BST on 28 May.

"The person entered through our back fire exit door and he was in the building for around 20 minutes," he said.

"We have installed new security alarms and have sealed the back door to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Derbyshire Police said an investigation into the burglary at Mr Faheed's shop had now been closed "due to all viable lines of enquiry having been followed".

Mr Faheed said he was busy with customer" when thieves attacked the pawnbrokers next door to him on Monday afternoon.

"I was surprised because I haven't seen anything like this happen before", he said.

"We heard some noises coming from next door but because of recent summer activities happening on the street, we thought the noises were something to do with that."

The shopkeeper said recent crime on St Peter's Street had affected his business.

"We are humans, we are scared for it to happen again," said Mr Faheed.

"There should be at least two police officers on the street during the day because the situation is getting bad.

"The footfall of customers has decreased massively, people are scared to come here."

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield has pledged to write to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to push for more crime-fighting resources for the city.

"In recent weeks, the number of serious incidents, including several tragic murders, has been unprecedented for our area," she said.

"Let me be clear: violence and criminality in our city and county will not be tolerated."

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