Security stepped up after £35k burglary

Andover businesses have ramped up their security after thousands of pounds worth of goods and equipment were stolen in a night-time raid.

Firms at the Commercial Centre in Picket Piece have brought in extra safety measures at the site, with bosses warning: “There is nowhere for thieves to hide.”

An increased number of CCTV cameras and lights have been installed around the centre, while a number of doors and locks have also been upgraded.

More regular security patrols will now take place seven days a week through-out the year to deter thieves from entering the site.

The measures come after thieves made off with a £35,000 haul following a raid on 14 businesses at the Commercial Centre earlier this month.

Police revealed that a Mercedes Benz E Class, tattoo machines and spray tanning equipment were among the items stolen during the break-ins on Wednesday, 8 October.

CCTV footage from the site showed a group of men at the scene in a white van, believed to be either a Citroen or a Renault.

The brazen burglars entered each premises through the main entrance after cutting locks and battering down several doors.

Detectives are continuing their investigations into the incident and have launched a plea for information to help trace the burglars.

But the day after the burglary, centre owner Simon Potter took measures to crack down on similar crimes, forming a partnership with local security firm Venture Security Management Ltd.

Simon told the Andover Advertiser: “I would like to think this make us one of the most secure units of this type in the area. I was impressed by the Venture response – I phoned on the Thursday after the burglary and by the following Wednesday the patrols started. They are very thorough during their patrols, they check the entire site so there is nowhere for thieves to hide.”

Paul Howe, Managing Director at Venture Security Management Ltd said: “Our company is in the top one per cent of security companies in the country. It’s great for us to connect with the Commercial Centre as a business. We have put a range of security measures in place at the centre. These are both proactive and reactive, which prevents the likelihood of crime taking place or, if something happens, responding quickly.”

Faretra, J. (2014) 'Security stepped up after £35k burglary', Andover Advertiser, 24 October, p. 2.