POLICE are continuing to investigate a spate of burglaries in Penarth after more than ten businesses were broken into in the last two months.

Penarth Athletic Club, Penarth Lawn Tennis Club and Spencer’s Shoe Repair were all broken into this month.

The Lawn Tennis Club was broken into in the early hours of Saturday, November 4, while the Athletic Club was targeted following their fireworks display the following evening, Sunday, November 5.

The recent spate of burglaries comes after Ty Hafan's charity shop on Stanwell Road was broken into last month, with cash and clothing stolen.

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

It’s not just Penarth that the burglaries are happening, but across the Vale of Glamorgan, 20 businesses have been broken into or been subject to attempted burglary.

Small independent businesses and larger premises have been hit. The common themes of the recent burglaries are committed overnight, entry gained by smashing doors and windows or cash stolen from tills.

As part of the police response, detectives are reviewing forensic opportunities, speaking to witnesses, and viewing CCTV, to identify and arrest those responsible.

Local Policing Inspector for Penarth, Abi Biddle said: “Being a victim of a 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.

“We believe that one or two groups of people are responsible because of the similarities in the offences.

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

The most recent burglaries happened over the weekend, and police are asking people to contact police on 999 if they see anyone acting suspiciously.

Anyone with information on who is involved in these burglaries is asked to contact South Wales Police either on Live chat, report online or email swp101@south-wales.police.uk or call 101.

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.”