By Grimsby’s Pubs and businesses targeted by lockdown thieves
Despite reports from Lincolnshire Police that crime in the county has fallen by a third since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown, many closed down pubs and retail businesses in Grimsby have become the target of opportunists and thieves.
The Signal Box Inn and The Pear Tree have both been targeted by thieves exploiting the national emergency lockdown.
This follows a recent incident where non-essential shops which had been shut down in Victoria Street were smashed following a spate of thefts.
Police have said that although crime has fallen by a third, landlords and residents should remain vigilant and make regular checks to their properties.
The owners of The Signal Box Inn, which has the title of the World’s Smallest Pub, have said that damage was caused to their property following an attempted break-in on Saturday.
Pubs and bars are already suffering major losses as they are having to discard alcoholic products which will not last beyond the lockdown, and cannot take part in events such as the popular Cider Festival, which was scheduled to be held at The Signal Box Inn next month.
A spokesperson for The Signal Box Inn said:
“There has been a good amount of damaged caused which is going to be difficult for us to repair seen as we’re all meant to be staying at home and haven’t had any income so we’re going to have to spend more money that we really don’t have to fix the damage.
“We are also confused as because we haven’t been open, it means that there is absolutely no money or alcohol on site as the pub never got a chance for the 2020 season so no orders were placed.
“On the plus side, these individuals stupidly left behind a saw of which fingerprints have been found and there are also plenty of CCTV cameras in the area which the police are reviewing so there is a good chance that we will get some results.
“We would however ask if anyone is passing by on a walk doing their daily exercise in the coming days and weeks could you please keep an eye on our site and look out for any unusual activity and either report to the police or message us on here.”
One local resident added:
“As if business owners don’t have enough to deal with, given the massive financial losses they are currently experiencing. Its shocking that someone would do something like this.”
Humberside Police are also investigating an attempted break-in at nearby Lucarlys in Humberston.
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