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Published:
February 4, 2009
'More police patrols and
better CCTV needed to protect Burnham shops'
 Burnham-On-Sea's
Chamber of Trade has this week called for more night time police
patrols and an extension of CCTV coverage in the town centre following
a spate of attacks on businesses.
Chairman
Alex Turco has written to Burnham police and local councils calling
for action amid growing concern about rising crime levels during
the recession.
It
follows an attempted robbery at an antiques shop in Burnham last
Friday (pictured), two
ram raids at Boots and Superdrug (pictured below) during the
last six months, and several incidents of vandalism where shop
windows have been smashed last
December and in January.
"Now
that the recession has been offically confirmed, it is important
to consider the likely impact on commercial premises in Burnham-On-Sea,"
writes Mr Turco in his letter on behalf of the Chamber's 78 businesses.
 "Whilst
the risk of declining trade is well documented, comments about
the risk of increased theft during a recession have so far been
lacking. Sadly, some people decide that stealing is an easy way
to solve their financial worries."
"In
the last twelve months, we have seen three robberies at an antiques
shop, two ram raids at Superdrug and one at Boots, whilst a number
of High Street buildings, as well as St Andrew's Church, have
suffered from the theft of roof lead."
"In
addition, criminal damage continues to take place with repeated
incidences of window damage, for instance at Watermark Financial
Solutions."
"Whilst
this is not in itself linked to the recession, it is an ongoing
problem that deserves attention."
 "To
the Chamber, it appears that commercial theft is increasing despite
overall crime figures decreasing. It is certainly not an acceptable
level of crime in a small coastal town in our opinion."
"Therefore,
the Chamber is calling for action to deter further instances of
this nature."
"In
particular, we would welcome support to implement an increased
police presence in Burnham town centre during night time hours;
enhancing CCTV to upgrade the town centre system to infrared cameras;
and extending the CCTV network to cover all town centre premises."
"We
would also like to see businesses educated about their own security;
support for those businesses that want security shutters where
appropriate; and progress with the installation of number plate
recognition cameras in Burnham."
RELATED
LINKS:
Burnham
Chamber of Trade
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