Spate of Crimes Plagues Penrith Businesses as Vandalism and Theft on the Rise

In the past fortnight, a wave of crimes has swept through Penrith town centre, targeting local businesses with acts of vandalism and theft. 

Cumbria Police have said that unauthorised individuals have been gaining access to staff areas of various retailers in Penrith, making off with valuable items, including money and electronic equipment.

The police have also received complaints regarding young people stealing items such as soft drinks and sweets from local supermarkets in Penrith's town centre. 

Police are working with local businesses through the Penrith Shop Watch scheme and reaching out to schools in the area in an effort to combat these crimes.

Among the reported incidents, multiple businesses in Penrith have fallen victim to vandalism attacks, resulting in shop windows and doors being smashed. Additionally, the town centre planters have suffered from both theft and acts of vandalism, exacerbating the spate of crimes afflicting the community.

The crime wave come in the wake of Cumbria Police designating parts of Penrith as Anti-Social Behaviour hotspots, prompting increased patrols in the town. 

Local business owners and community members have expressed their concerns over the recent surge in criminal activities. The thefts and acts of vandalism not only result in financial losses but also create an atmosphere of unease.

The Penrith Shop Watch scheme, serves as a collective effort among businesses to prevent crime, working closely with the police. The scheme encourages businesses to share information, such as descriptions or footage of suspects, to aid in identifying and apprehending the culprits.

Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it You can also phone Cumbria Police on 101.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.