Businesses are urged to rethink security after a spate of overnight break-ins. 

Police are encouraging business owners to review the security measures they have in place after five businesses in Poundbury were targeted by thieves in a single night.

Police said a full investigation into the burglaries was being carried out but they wanted to take the opportunity to highlight the importance of security and ensure businesses were not left vulnerable to thieves. 

A large quantity of electric bikes were stolen from Dorset Cyclelife, Poundbury, in the early hours of Friday morning. All but one of the bikes was later recovered by police, officers confirmed.

A man, aged 47 and from Liverpool has been arrested in connection with this incident and released under investigation as police continue with their enquiries.

It has now emerged that other businesses were hit on the same night.

These include: 

  • A till being taken from Malvern Tyres at Poundbury West Industrial Estate shortly after 12am
  • A burglary was reported at Dorchester Strength and Conditioning
  • Attempted break-ins were reported at the Domestic Appliance Centre and Dorset Vehicle Rentals, all on the Railway Triangle Industrial Estate
  • Police also received a report of an attempt to steal a Volkswagen Caravelle campervan at Middle Farm Way in Poundbury.

Detective Constable Lynda Soutine, of Weymouth CID, said: “I would also like to take the opportunity to urge businesses in the Dorchester area to review the security measures they have in place to make sure your premises is not vulnerable to potential offenders.

“We are carrying out a full investigation into all of these reported burglaries and I am appealing for any witnesses to these incidents or anyone with information to contact police."

Dorset Police has produced a booklet with lots of advice on keeping your business secure.

This includes tips on how to decide what security measures are appropriate, suggestions on teaming up with neighbouring businesses to install CCTV and how to reduce opportunities for would-be thieves.

For crime prevention advice on protecting your business visit dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/home-property-belongings/secure-your-business/

Anyone with information on any of the incidents in Poundbury is asked to contact Dorset Police by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180157169.