Guernsey Press

Burglaries on successive nights linked, say police

POLICE are linking three burglaries that took place in the early hours of Thursday and yesterday.

Published
Jenny Meeks, the owner of The Kiln at Oatlands, said the second burglary since she took over 18 months ago was frustrating, but she was thankful no damage was caused. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 21561829)

The Kiln Restaurant at Oatlands was broken into at around 3am on Thursday, while in the early hours of the following day, Cobo Tea Rooms and the Rockmount pub were targeted.

It is thought that entry was gained to The Kiln via an unsecured window. The cash till was ripped out and a £100 float was stolen in what was the second burglary from the premises since its new owners took over 18 months ago.

At around 3.30am yesterday, entry was made to the Cobo Tea Rooms through an unsecured window and a can of Coke was stolen.

Then, half an hour later, entry was gained to the nearby Rockmount. The tills were damaged and eight charity boxes were stolen, together with tobacco and a quantity of cash.

‘Police are treating all of these break-ins as linked,’ said a spokesman,

‘If anyone was in either area and saw anything suspicious, they are asked to contact Guernsey Police on 725111.

‘Information can also be given anonymously via the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

‘We would also like to take this opportunity to remind businesses and property owners to make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked when their premises are unoccupied. For more advice, or to arrange a personal review of security, please contact our crime reduction adviser, Andy Goodall on 725111.’

Police said earlier this week that they were stepping up patrols in light of a spate of burglaries and incidents of criminal damage over the past month.

The Kiln burglary was discovered when head chef Aidan Le Poidevin arrived for work on Thursday morning and found the kitchen window open.

‘The cleaner was in there and I asked him if he’d opened the window,’ said Mr Le Poidevin, who then noticed that items had been moved from in front of the opening.

He contacted owner Jenny Meeks, and she realised that the burglar had apparently considered trying to get into the safe before deciding to take the till.

She could see that the thief had spent a while looking for money in various places.

‘He was in here for about 45 minutes,’ she said.

Following a theft some 14 months ago, CCTV cameras were installed throughout the cafe and Miss Meeks said she had already looked at the images before handing them to police.

‘It was one male and the police have a really nice shot of him,’ she said.

There was little cash in the till, about £100 in float, and that had to be replaced.

‘It’s frustrating,’ said Miss Meeks, ‘but I’m pleased that no damage was caused.’