by Sue Read

LOCAL MP Mel Stride spent more than an hour visiting many of the Crediton businesses who had been victims of recent break-ins or attempted break-ins.

Mel, who was appointed Financial Secretary to the Treasury in June, was taken around by Dan Webb, proprietor of Crediton Coffee Company on Market Street.

His was one of the premises where entry was foiled. He and Mel looked at properties around the town square which had been affected, then went to the Brainwave charity shop to meet manager Edith Parker who explained to Mel what had happened at her shop and how the police were helping.

They looked at other premises while walking down to Union Road Moto-Velo to meet owner Neil Paterson and his daughter, Lena Glenholmes.

They will be opening the six ensuite rooms before Christmas. Neil said one of the reasons for creating the rooms was because Crediton was on the Lands End to John O' Groats route.

An attempted break-in occurred at Union Road Moto-Velo about two weeks ago.

Afterwards, Mr Stride said: “I am deeply concerned about the number of incidents that have occurred locally dating back to August and the targeting on Monday of a charity that helps children with disabilities is absolutely appalling.

“The effects of burglaries on businesses can be huge – both in financial terms with insurance excesses to pay, increases in future premiums and potential losses of income and also emotionally with shop owners who pour their heart and soul into their businesses being understandably devastated and fearful of another burglary.

“I will do whatever I can to support the affected businesses and will be liaising with the police over the break-in.”

Dan Webb added: “It was very good of Mel to visit Brainwave so quickly – I wanted him to see first-hand the impact that the break-ins have had and discuss the issue of the town’s CCTV cameras which I believe our town council should be investing in, both to act as a deterrent and to help identify those who commit these crimes.”