A Weston-super-Mare business owner ‘trusts no one’ after his restaurant was burgled overnight.

In the past fortnight thieves have broken into two businesses in the town, and there was an attempt at a third.

Police are urging businesses not to leave cash on the premises overnight and confirmed they are investigating burglaries at cafés, restaurants and takeaways.

Thieves have stolen tills, tip jars and even charity collection boxes.

One restaurant owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said the burglary has had ‘a great impact’ on his business.

He said: “They broke the window, cut the phone line and forced entry into my office.

“They took all the money, change for the tills and some of the wages for my staff.

“It has had a great impact because I couldn’t pay some of my staff on time.

“As well as the stolen cash there is the cost of repairs, I don’t trust anyone.

“My alarms went off straight away, I asked my neighbours and they told me they heard it so I asked ‘why didn’t they call me?’

“We’ve done everything within our power to prevent any future incident – we’ve put a system in now where if the alarm goes off I’ll get a call to my phone to notify me.

“I don’t feel unsafe, I’ve been here many years and this is the first time it’s happened, we’re in one of the safest areas.”

PC Peter Rooke is one of two officers dedicated to looking into the burglaries.

He urges other businesses to act to make life difficult for would-be thieves.

He said: “These break-ins have a significant impact on businesses.

“My advice to business owners is to review your security arrangements, make sure first-floor windows are secure and difficult to access.

“The key thing is to take the time to bank your cash at the end of the day – including any tips – or to put it into a high-specification safe which would take thieves a long time to access.

“If you live near to a small business and hear anything suspicious in the night please take a look, if you feel safe to do so.

“If you see anyone acting suspiciously call us straight away.

“Ring 999 if they’re clearly breaking in, otherwise call 101 – call handlers are on duty 24/7.”