‘Be vigilant’ says shop owner following numerous burglary attempts

Metal security bars installed at the rear of Oasis Tanning

Sean Mallon, from Oasis Tanning in Littleborough, is asking shop owners to be vigilant following a number of incidents at his shop.

The shop, which is located on New Road, Littleborough, first became a hot spot for trouble around 18 months ago when youths were throwing stones, described as “boulders”, at passing cars. Mr Mallon helped to identify those responsible, which led to one of the perpetrators going to jail.

Around seven to nine months ago the shop was then targeted when the till was stolen.

Mr Mallon said: “They used a crowbar and came in and took the till. That is all they took. There is a box full of client cards with all of their details, hundreds of creams and DVDs that could have been taken and then there are the sunbeds, they could have smashed them up, but they didn’t. They were in and out and all that was taken was the till.”

The till was later found and returned to the shop.

Ten days ago the shop was targeted again when the offender(s) kicked the front door.

“John who lives in the flat above us keeps an eye and an ear out and he rang me to tell me that some people had kicked the door in. He tried to chase them but they got away. I’m now going to have to spend money on finding a way to fix it,” said Mr Mallon.

The attacks have continued and last week the shop was hit for a third time when the back door was targeted.

Mr Mallon added: “I don’t know if they are drunk or on drugs or if they are just messing around but it is getting stupid now. These are random attacks throughout the year.”

Following previous incidents, Mr Mallon has had to have metal bars fitted onto the back door of the shop.

“I’ve already spent around £800 on trying to stop them but it doesn’t seem to be working,” said Mr Mallon. “I’m now going to have to go and spend more money on the front door so that is secure. All you try and do is make some money to put food on the table and provide jobs for the area and people think it’s ok to do this time and time again.”

Mr Mallon is also frustrated at the lack of police presence in the area. He said: “Littleborough and Dearnley are forgotten about. Rochdale is where their concern is. If the police are in the area then they will come but if not, it takes them at least half an hour to appear. We never see police just walking around. I understand that there has been police cuts but the lack of police presence is frustrating. If you started a petition about opening the police station and sent it around the area, I guarantee people would sign it.”