Burglars hit business for seventh time in five years

Pastures Moo, on Church Street in Wath, was burgled yet again on November 19 — the seventh time it had been targeted within five years.

Owner Simon English said the burglar had stolen the till, buthe was more devastated by the damage caused to his shop window and flooring.

“I got a phone call from the police who told me that the alarm had been activated after a burglary,” he said.

“The culprit had smashed the window with a stone to get through and in the process, broken the flooring, which will cost around £3,000 to replace.

“The burglar took the till, which only had about £2 or £3 in it.

“From what has happened and the way the burglar entered the business, I feel it is the same person who has done this.

“It’s a mindless act which is even more devastating because businesses like ours are struggling with rising energy costs and rising production costs.

“This is the last thing we should have to face.

“I can’t describe how I feel other than a sense of being heartbroken.”

Simon addded: “I’ve considered putting shutters on this beautiful building but the insurance premiums go through the roof once you’ve been burgled.

“There’s the cost to replace the window and re-lay the flooring.

“There’s also the emotional side of being a family-run business and the damaging effects a burglary can have.

“But we want to be there for our customers, who are great with us and remind you there are good people in the world.

“They return time and again because they tell us they love it here and what we have done since we opened in 2013.

“I’m thankful to our neighbours who have helped us to get back open.

“I still don’t know why anyone would want to inflict so much misery onto others.”

A police spokesperson said anyone with information should get in touch through the online portal on the SYP website or by calling 101, quoting incident number 172 of November 19 2022.