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Since November, pubs, shops, hairdressers and diners have been targeted by thieves in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

It has prompted business owners to team up with police and local councillors to deal with the recent surge in break-ins.

Measures will see patrols stepped up in the evening and a security business offer businesses CCTV and alarm systems for a discounted price.

Business owners have teamed up with police and local councillors to deal with a rise in break-ins and crime in Ashton

Coun Anthony Sykes, who represents the area on Wigan Council, said the break-ins had caused misery for businesses.

He said: “There have been several break-ins of businesses which started happening more regularly from November.

“So we got together for a meeting recently involving representatives from the local police and Wigan Council while I’ve had a follow-up meeting with police.

“Three individuals have been identified to be behind these break-ins, one of which has been arrested.

“I will also be doing patrols of the area in the evening along with Dan Fletcher who is a Labour candidate for the 2020 local elections in Ashton.

“These break-ins have created misery for businesses but the police know the individuals and with the right action, these people can be stopped and punished accordingly.”

Last year saw The Sir Thomas Gerard Wetherspoon pub, baby clothing shop Little Bo-nique, and newly-opened burger and cheesecake restaurant Charlie’s Diner were all targeted by thieves, with businesses raising concerns about a lack of police action.

Coun Sykes said: “Cuts to policing numbers has undoubtedly meant that police are stretched to deal with crime and it then gives thieves the idea that they can get away with it.

“But we want to turn these break-ins into a positive story of how police, councillors and businesses are coming together to tackle the problem.”

And one Ashton-based business, B2B Secure Ltd, is offering security systems to local businesses to help them feel more secure.

Will Craig, the company’s security director, said: “We’ve decided to put security systems in place such as CCTV and alarm systems for a discounted price to local businesses.

“We’ve already helped businesses including the Pit Pony and The Presidential and GoBen Travel in Ashton.

“We wanted to show some community spirit, so local businesses can feel safe and secure and the people running them can sleep soundly at night.”

Community unites to stamp out spiralling crime rates