Criminals targeting takeaway owners: police alert

Shop owners are closing up for the night and are taking the day’s takings home with them and as they arrive home they are robbed of the money and sometimes other items they may have in the house such as jewellery.

Officers believe the victims are being specifically targeted.

So far incidents have taken place in the Haslindgen area and. on all these occasions, cash, Asian gold jewellery, mobile phones and computer equipment was stolen.

Detective Sergeant Nick Hodgeson from Burnley CID said: “A number of incidents have occurred over the past month or so in the Haslingden area. Investigations are ongoing and arrests have been made.

“What we are finding is that these business owners have been finishing work and are taking the earnings from the day home with them. They are either being followed home from work or specifically targeted and are being robbed in their homes of the takings and sometimes jewellery.

“All of the incidents are we believe linked but the public should be assured they are being robustly investigated. We would urge takeaway and business owners to be cautious, especially when leaving their places of work to travel back home.

“Take precautionary steps like trying to avoid carrying large amounts of cash, try not to travel alone and stick to well lit roads.”

Any suspicious activity should be reported to police by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.