Stake-out fear at Smokehouse

TARGETED . . . Jacks Smokehouse

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AN Oldham businessman fears his restaurant is being watched after another raid saw a thief break into his fridges and steal meat worth more than £1,000.

The latest incident, on Tuesday at around 6.40am, saw the offender climb over spiked fencing to gain access to a covered area where Jacks Smokehouse stores fridges and stole between £400 and £500 worth of meat, which would have had a trade value in excess of £1,000.

Missing

It is the third time in the last six months the Yorkshire Street restaurant has been targeted, according to owner Carl Taylor.

The latest attack was discovered when one of the chefs went to fetch three rump steaks and noticed a considerable amount of meat, which had only recently been delivered, was missing.

After reviewing CCTV footage, which shows the thief enter the area, have a quick look around and then head to the fridge, Mr Taylor believes the culprit had been watching the business and was not just an opportunist.

A prior burglary saw a similar situation where stock was taken from fridges, while £500-£600 in cash and spirits was taken in another raid.

On that occasion the intruder entered the building via an upstairs window before venturing down the stairs to the restaurant.

For an unknown reason, the alarm had failed but Mr Taylor said the CCTV footage showed deliberate movements from the thieves to their intended targets and believes they must have been watching the restaurant beforehand.

Mr Taylor said: "This time the guy has come over the back of the fence, got into the fridges and taken meat out of them.

"It is getting a bit frustrating now ­- you get stock in and it just gets stolen. We're probably looking at around £400-£500 worth of meat that we have paid out for, which is then probably over £1,000 once sold.

"It seems to be someone who knows where the fridges are located. We are looking at having to secure that area even more now which is further expense. I thought spiked fencing would act as a deterrent.

"He wasn't in there for a very long time, it was as if he knew exactly what he was looking for. He had a quick look around and went into the fridges.

"He was bold as brass, it was broad daylight and he just walked out like it was a regular thing."

With 19 members of staff employed, Mr Taylor also raised concerns of what impact incidents like this will have if they continue.

"We are working here to make ends meet and it is tough enough in Oldham," he added.

"We stayed open but had customers come in wanting things we couldn't provide."