Police warning on pub burglaries

Police across the country are urging licensees to give more consideration to the security of their premises after a number of burglaries.

Warnings are being issued as the warm weather packs pubs, distracting licensees from criminal behaviour.

In Bedfordshire three burglaries have raised fears that a spate of similar crimes could start and police have launched an initiative to fight the problem.

PC Chris Carey, licensing officer with Bedfordshire Police, said: "We are starting to get concerned here and want to get the message out there. It's an issue that faces police and pubs across the country. Most publicans are well aware of the need for good levels of security but during the summer months things can get overlooked."

Police are suggesting that licensees make sure all windows and doors are locked and keep watch on customers during the day when they could be particularly vulnerable to criminals accessing rooms upstairs.

As the number of victims is low at this time some licensees are not too concerned but police hope the warnings will at least prevent anyone else becoming a victim. Mike Peters, licensee at the Bell in Bedford, said: "Most licensees are clued up but sooner or later everyone gets hurt with this. There are some bigger issues out there though and safety of staff is one of my main concerns. As long as police are responding to reports of crime quickly, that's what's important to licensees."