DETECTIVES in Preston are warning town centre businesses to be on their guard for sneak-in thieves.

Dozens of offices and shops have been targeted by thieves who are nipping in staff rooms and pinching personal belongings.

Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Paul Gooch, said the number of such thefts had escalated at an alarming rate over the past few months.

Last week, £70 cash and a handbag was stolen from behind the counter of Buckingham Bingo, Tithebarn Street. And Vision Express in St Georges Shopping Centre was also hit by thieves who nipped in the staff quarters and grabbed a wallet and cash.

Sgt Gooch said many of the thefts could have been avoided and has issued the following tips to local businesses:

Never leave handbags on desks or wallets in coats. Take them with you or lock them away;

if you have a staff room, put a lock on it and make sure you use it;

try to ensure every member of staff has a locker;

never accept that a stranger is authorised to be in the building just because they say so, and

never allow anyone to remove office equipment without first checking they are authorised to do so.

Sgt Gooch added: "The number of thefts in the workplace has risen dramatically over the last few weeks.

"Workers should not become complacent about their personal possessions while at their place of work."

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