Business break-ins lead to police patrol increase

Police in Bracknell have offered businesses free security checks after a number of reports about a crime spree, it has been revealed.

The crime spree is costing businesses in the town centre thousands of pounds, with more than one shop a week on average burgled, Get Bracknell reported.

Some firms claim that the break-ins could drive them out of business, with a 19 per cent increase of raids between April 2008 and March 2009, when compared to the year before.

Police have now increased their evening patrols, particularly around deserted service yards, the news resource stated.

On the day of the Grand National, Jenningsbet in Crossway was broken into and a TV set stolen, although an alarm alerted police.

"The service yard has no lighting so we're very vulnerable. The damage and the TV comes out of the shop's budget and we're struggling just like everybody else," manager Chris Simpson told Get Bracknell.

Businesses insured with Aviva and which want to strengthen their alarm system - or even install an alarm - can receive a discount from preferred intruder alarm supplier Secom.

More information about Secom's alarms can be found here.