Melissa McGeorge, Labour councillor for community safety, has demanded Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst takes urgent action to protect the businesses of Wickford from being targeted.
The worrying spate of crimes has seen at least seven businesses have their windows smashed and items stolen in recent months and business owners have been left petrified of being targeted again.
Smashed – The window the Post Office Depot in Lower Southend Road following December 12 burglaries (Image: Provided)
Ms McGeorge said: “Our small business owners bring something special to our communities, but they will cease to exist if they do not feel supported and protected by the authorities.
“Small business owners pour their heart and soul into running a successful business and vicious attacks like these robberies can lead to financial ruin. This is totally unacceptable, and we must do more to allow our businesses and indeed our borough to flourish.
“I call upon Roger Hirst to take a good look at this recent spate of vicious attacks and ensure more is being done to protect local business owners and their customers.” Smashed – The window of Temme English on Wickford High Street (Image: Andy Donnelly)
The most recent burglary saw Inpressed dry cleaners targeted on Wednesday for the second time in six months.
In the early hours of December 12, Posh Boys Taproom, the Post Office and Ladbrokes were all hit by crooks. On October 7, break-ins were reported at Temme English and Into Hair.
Allison Matthews, head of retail at Helen Rollason on the High Street, suffered a burglary resulting in £1000 damage in November.
Urge – Melissa McGeorge (Image: Melissa McGeorge)
She said: “There need to be policing at certain times, the public would appeal for the day but the issues we are having are at night and in the early hours of the evening.“There needs to be more CCTV but any police presence in the town would be a help, a deterrent and it would give confidence.”
Roger Hirst responded by urging the council to “focus on initiatives to protect businesses in Wickford”.
He said: “Essex Police Business Crime Team is aware of this issue and the PFCC urges Basildon Community Safety Partnership, which includes Basildon Council, to focus on initiatives to protect businesses in Wickford. The PFCC would be happy to discuss projects that could be joint funded.”