POLICE are investigating a rise in commercial burglaries in the Vale of Glamorgan after eight businesses in Penarth were broken into this month.

Allan Sadler, Foxy’s Deli, Tony’s Taste of Italy, Windsor Castle, Café 64, and Pizza Pronto, as well as a business on Terra Nova Way, were all broken into within two weeks of each other.

There was an attempted breaking at the Touring Club this month with no success, but cash was stolen from both Allan Sadler and Foxy’s Deli.

A business on Terra Nova Way was also broken into during the early hours of September 20. Police report that a man connected with Wednesday’s burglary was later arrested.

Kirsty Bousie, manager of Allan Sadler, says her business was the first to be broken into in the early hours of September 1.

Penarth Times: Allan Sadler hair studio was one of the victims in a series of burglaries in Penarth. Picture: GoogleAllan Sadler hair studio was one of the victims in a series of burglaries in Penarth. Picture: Google (Image: Google)Allan Sadler hair studio was one of the victims in a series of burglaries in Penarth. Picture: Google

“A small amount of cash was taken in the break-in, it was a mess to clear up the next day. It caused chaos and disruption for the business,” she said.

“Now its just that uncertainty of them coming back, but I feel sorry for the person as they must have been that desperate to steal a small amount of cash.”

Meanwhile, two weeks later Café 64 and the Windsor Tea Rooms in Windsor Arcade were broken into.

Jason Payter, manager of the Windsor Tea Rooms, said: “It’s awful, but it doesn’t bother me as I have insurance and things are replaceable.

Penarth Times: The Windsor Tea rooms were a target in the series of Burglaries. Picture: Newsquest The Windsor Tea rooms were a target in the series of Burglaries. Picture: Newsquest (Image: newsquest)The Windsor Tea rooms were a target in the series of Burglaries. Picture: NQ staff

“What bothers me is the worry about being attacked, as the person had a crowbar and a brick. Police told me to stay behind the locked door.”

The series of burglaries has left other businesses concerned that they may be the next target.

John Davies, manager of Milkshed, added: “Penarth is a close business community, and it impacts us all if one of us is burgled.

“Six or Seven businesses in one month to be burgled is concerning, I am worried that my business may be the next target.”

Abi Biddle, local policing inspector for Penarth, said: “Being a victim of burglary, whether it’s your home, your business, or where you work is a traumatic experience and we are working hard to put a stop to this recent rise in commercial burglaries.

Penarth Times: Tony's taste of Italy, The Queen B, Foxy's Deli and Pizza Pronto were also victims of the burglary along with Cafe 64. Picture: GoogleTony's taste of Italy, The Queen B, Foxy's Deli and Pizza Pronto were also victims of the burglary along with Cafe 64. Picture: Google (Image: Google)

“We would ask businesses to review their security systems and also make it clear that there is no cash on the premises overnight”.

Anyone with information on who is involved with the burglaries should contact South Wales Police at 999.

Inspector Biddle added: “We would ask people to be vigilant of anyone seen hanging around businesses or retail premises during the early hours of the morning.

“If anyone is seen acting suspiciously please call police immediately on 999.”