Shropshire and Powys eating places fall victim of criminals

Offences from rape, fraud and arson to criminal damage, theft and burglary have been reported to the two police forces in the last three years.

There were 1,644 crimes at restaurants and cafes in the West Mercia Police force area in that time period — and almost two thirds of these, 1,151, remain on file or under investigation.

In the Powys area, Dyfed-Powys Police recorded a total of 83 crimes in takeaways and restaurants. A total of 247 of these led to a charge and 62 cautions, 148 community resolutions and in Powys, 27 youth restorative disposals were implemented.

Police said today it was vital that people felt safe and secure in public places. It said it was offering advice to the owners of restaurants, cafes and takeaways on steps they can take to ensure they stay safe and their premises secure.

Offences listed by the force include a case in 2012 when masked vandals threw curry at the front of a restaurant in an early morning attack in Shrewsbury.

The two culprits, armed with plastic bags full of curry, tossed the contents all over the windows of the Indian Village restaurant in Mardol at about 6.30am. The owner of the restaurant said at the time the vandals, believed to be men, were captured carrying out the attack on the restaurant's CCTV.

In July this year, a delivery man was attacked when he took meat to a takeaway restaurant in Telford. Cuma Ali Kaya pushed Mr Veselin Marinov against the wall of the Kebab King in Madeley, headbutted him and punched him repeatedly. Kaya was given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, ordered to carry out 150 hours' unpaid work and told to pay £1,000 to his victim.

Last year, a man was jailed for 18 months after he rushed into a takeaway shop late at night and launched an unprovoked attack on a complete stranger, fracturing his cheek bone. Gary Peter Scott floored his victim with a single, hard punch, delivered from behind. Scott, 23 at the time, of Woolston Bank, Maesbury, Oswestry, admitted a GBH charge and possessing cocaine. The court heard how initially he denied the attack in Wrexham in the early hours of December 21 2013 – when the defendant had been drinking on the traditional "mad Friday" when people finished work for the festive season.

Terri-Anne Powell, a spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said: "West Mercia Police take all reports of crime extremely seriously, investigating thoroughly and where there is sufficient evidence, those responsible are charged or dealt with as appropriate.

It is important that people feel safe when going to public places such as cafes and restaurants. Many crimes committed at these locations relate to theft or burglary. We advise both patrons and staff to be vigilant. Remember to keep valuables and handbags securely fastened when in busy public places and don't leave belongings unattended or unsecured."

For more information about keeping you premises secure visit West Mercia Police's website: www.westmercia.police.uk/crime-and-safety