Farm shops and butchers warned of meat thefts

Cambridgeshire Police are investigating a spate of thefts in Cottenham and Longstanton.

Thieves smashed windows and broke padlocks at a business off Station Road, in Longstanton, at about 8.30pm on Friday 1 December 2023.

Meat, vegetables and soup were stolen from a freezer. 

In Cottenham, a gate at the business in Oakington Road was also smashed by thieves between 5.30pm on the same day and 7am the following day.

They then forced their way into the rear of the building and searched the office, before stealing a large quantity of meat from a walk-in freezer.

Sergeant Tom Nuttall from Cambridgeshire Police: 

"At this time of year any establishment selling poultry and meat can be vulnerable to burglary and theft. 

"In particular, farm shops and butchers may be targeted.

"There are simple measures that can help to deter intruders. 

"Be alert to any unusual or suspicious behaviour at your premises, or land near to it. 

"Even phone calls asking which types of meat you stock or anything that seems out of the ordinary.

"Consider installing security alarms and CCTV systems, to protect buildings, stock and equipment.

"If you notice suspicious activity near farm shops, or other outlets selling meat, please contact us."

To report information, contact Cambridgeshire Police using reference 35/89371/23 for the Longstanton burglary or 35/89309/23 for the Cottenham burglary.

Alternatively, call 101.