A MIDDLEWICH resident for more than 20 years fears the town’s crime rate is ‘worse than ever’ after his machinery business was burgled.

Thieves smashed a window to gain entry into County Power on Newton Bank at the weekend and stole more than £700 worth of items including cash and Stihl petrol chainsaws.

Owner Mike Pedler, 54, found his business had been broken into when he returned to work on Monday morning.

He said: “Like every other weekend I had locked up as normal but when I came back the damage was clear to see.

“The culprits had used a shovel to break through an upstairs window. I think they got in and realised there wasn’t much in the cash register and didn’t want to go home empty handed so took power tools as well.

“I’m very disappointed. You hear about robberies all the time but you honestly never think it could happen to you.

“I’ve lived in the area for many years but this is definitely the worst time for crime I’ve seen since being here. I don’t understand why that is but every week there’s something going on.”

Mike said he would be taking steps to increase security at the firm and issued a warning to residents and other business owners.

“I would advise small business owners and residents not to get complacent when securing your buildings,” he said.

“Police told me that it is ‘normal’ to expect to see an increase in thefts around Christmas time. People need to be aware of the dangers.

“I’m making an effort to step up security measures to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “Officers were called at 8.30am on Monday, November 13 to reports of a burglary at a business premises in Newton Bank in Middlewich. Enquiries are ongoing.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 138 of November 13.”