DOZENS of windows and doors belonging to businesses – including a charity shop, pharmacy and spa – have been damaged in Bridgwater in five months.

Several companies based in Binford Place, Fore Street, St Mary Street, High Street and George Street have been forced to replace shattered windows since June 1.

Coffee shops, restaurants, bars and an empty premises have also been affected, police have confirmed.

A resident has written a letter to the Bridgwater Mercury about the problem.

Vicki Gardner, who lives near the town centre, wrote: “When a country is at war, damage to buildings is to be expected, but not when a country is at peace. 

“Bridgwater is the exception. The silence regarding these attacks from the tax-funded authorities has been deafening.”

Vicki suggested some public money could be ‘re-located’ towards a “properly funded security system for Bridgwater citizens” to reduce the risk of similar incidents. 

Police say there has been a “small increase” in the number of criminal damage reports to non-dwelling properties within the last year.

One man has been charged with damaging a property, leading to him being fined and being told to pay court costs and compensation to the business.

Another person has been arrested with enquiries ongoing, and three other suspects have been identified by the police.

Bridgwater Mercury: “Officers carry out targeted, uniformed patrols of the town centre at busy times and we'd always encourage people who witness any such incident to report it as soon as possible.” “Officers carry out targeted, uniformed patrols of the town centre at busy times and we'd always encourage people who witness any such incident to report it as soon as possible.” (Image: Getty Images)

Affected businesses include Alak Health & Beauty Spa (George Street), Millets (Fore Street) and International Food Centre (Binford Place).

Alak had its shopfront window shattered during the long weekend dedicated to celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June, costing around £1,200.

It then had the window in its front door smashed during Bridgwater Fair Week in September, which cost a further £200 to repair.

International Food Centre, which is based in Binford Place, had its window smashed in the middle of the night on October 16 and is in contact with its insurance company.

The manager of camping and outdoor clothing chain Millets said the shop had its window kicked in during the summer, which was caught on the store's CCTV. 

The police have encouraged people to report similar incidents as it could inform their future patrols.

Bridgwater Mercury: Police have seen a “small increase” in reports of criminal damage to non-dwelling properties in Bridgwater town centre in the last year.Police have seen a “small increase” in reports of criminal damage to non-dwelling properties in Bridgwater town centre in the last year. (Image: Newsquest)

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “There have been 26 incidents of windows or doors being damaged at retail premises in Bridgwater town centre since June 1.

“This includes cafés, restaurants, bars, a beauty parlour, shops and even a charity shop.

“Of these:

  • A man was charged with damaging a property in St Mary Street in June. He admitted the offence and was fined £250 and ordered to pay costs, compensation and a victim surcharge totalling a further £219.
  • In another case a suspect was identified and the matter was resolved through a community resolution with the damage paid for.
  • A suspect has been arrested and enquiries continue into an incident at a premises on the High Street in October.
  • In three other cases suspects have been identified and enquiries continue.
  • Five cases are pending receipt of relevant CCTV footage.
  • Three investigations are ongoing with no suspect yet identified.

“The remainder have been filed after no further proportionate lines of enquiry were identified but would be reviewed if any new information comes to light.

“One business which reported three incidents in that time has been offered security and crime prevention advice.

“There has been a small increase in reports of criminal damage to non-dwelling properties within Bridgwater town centre, from 38 to 43, in the past 12 months.

“Officers carry out targeted, uniformed patrols of the town centre at busy times and we'd always encourage people who witness any such incident to report it as soon as possible.

“If the crime is underway or the suspect is still in the area, call 999, otherwise ring 101.

“If we're not able to attend immediately due to other ongoing incidents, the information can still be used to inform our patrol plans.”