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Cambridge businesses 'frustrated' by spate of break-ins and vandalism

Philip Mills Philip Mills, owner of ThoroughbreadsPhilip Mills
Thoroughbreads owner Philip Mills said he felt he was "the only one paying for this crime"

Business owners are "frustrated" after a spate of suspected smash-and-grab robberies.

Police say nine businesses in Cambridge have been targeted, several of which are along Chesterton Road.

One man has been given an 18-month suspended sentence in relation to two of the break-ins.

The owner of Thoroughbreads, on Cowley Road, said he felt "justice had not been done", after he was left about £1,500 out of pocket.

Four takeaways, two stores, a hairdressers, laundrettes, and beauty lounge were targeted between 11 March and 1 April.

Thoroughbreads owner, Philip Mills, praised police for their speed after his shop was broken into on Thursday.

On Monday, a man was sentenced for that raid, where he stole a cash till, and another at the Co-Op, Milton Road, where he stole alcohol worth about £180.

'Demoralising'

Mr Mills, 51, said: "I'm thankful to the police - they were brilliant, but I feel bitter - like I am the only one that is paying for this crime.

"The £1,500 bill to repair everything is not worth claiming through insurance because of the excess and having premiums go up.

"I have been here for 17 years, and we have a good security system so we could clearly see the man's face, but being broken into feels demoralising."

Nina Tteralli Smashed and broken doors at Small Fry takeawayNina Tteralli
In investigation has been launched into the burglary at Small Fry

Small Fry on Chesterton High Street, was targeted on Friday, along with nearby Jane Seymour Hair.

Nina Tteralli, 62, said she and her husband have owned the takeaway since 1981 and attacks like that were "not acceptable".

"It was Good Friday, and we are in the takeaway business. We had fresh food prepared and lots to do but when my husband arrived the doors were smashed and our till was in the road.

"This is not the crime of century, but it is definitely not acceptable.

"There is nothing else we can do; we can't be on guard 24/7 and this kind of thing doesn't happen all time... but it is worrying... why is Chesterton is being targeted so much?"

The police said they encouraged residents and business owners to report any concerns.

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Break-ins

  • In a Spin, Cherry Hinton High Street: Reports of a shop window broken at about 22:00 GMT on 11 March
  • Tesco Express, Chesterton High Street: Reports of a burglary believed to have taken place at 04:00 GMT on 18 March
  • Elegance Beauty Lounge, Abbey Road: Reports of a shop window being broken in the early hours of 23 March
  • The Red Mug Lounge, Chesterton Road: Reports of a burglary in the early hours of 24 March
  • Thoroughbreads, Orwell House: Reports of a break-in and burglary on 28 March
  • Co-Op, Milton Road: Reports of approximately £180 of alcohol stolen on 28 March
  • Small Fry, Chesterton High Street: Reports of a burglary in the early hours of 29 March
  • Jane Seymour Hair, Chesterton High Street: Reports of a burglary in the early hours of 29 March
  • Golden Wok, Histon Road: Reports of a shop window being broken between 00:01 and 06:30 GMT on 30 March

Source: Cambridgeshire Constabulary

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Commenting on the incidents, a police spokesperson said: "Two men have been arrested in connection with the burglary series above and inquiries continue.

"Tackling shoplifting and burglary is a focus for officers across the county. We understand these crimes can have a huge impact on those involved in the business community as well as residents.

"Our Acquisitive Crime Teams (ACT) have dedicated detectives across the county dealing exclusively with dwelling burglaries."

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