Police defend their actions after pub owner announces closure following spate of break-ins

Police have insisted they take commercial burglary seriously after a Black Country pub closed, citing seven break-ins in two months.

The Bottle and Cork pub in New Mill Street, Dudley closed, with owner Clive Thomason accusing police of being unable to control criminal gangs in the town.

He also accused the council of being in ‘dreamland’ for not allowing roller shutters on the building.

But Sgt Natalie Taylor, of Dudley CID, said the police had thoroughly investigated all reported break-ins to the pub.

Sgt Taylor said: “We received three reports of burglaries taking place at a pub on New Mill Street, Dudley on February 17, 21 and April 12 this year.

“Each incident was thoroughly investigated, with forensic officers visiting the scene and CCTV trawls taking place to try and identify any offenders.

“Officers were unable to identify any suspects, and two of the incidents were placed on file pending any further information coming to light. The burglary on February 17 remains under investigation.”

She said a further burglary at the address was also reported on April 16, occurring about 5.30am, in which alcoholic drinks were stolen.

This incident also remained under investigation, she added.

She said the force’s neighbourhood teams and response officers conducted regular high-visibility patrols during the day and evening throughout the town centre and wider Dudley area.

“We will always use all the resources and tools available to us to investigate every report, and should any new information be received investigations will reopen so we can conduct further enquiries,” she said.

“Burglaries have a lasting impact on businesses and we understand the damage crimes like this can cause to the owners and keeping their businesses running. We will always do everything in our power to find those responsible.”

Sgt Taylor urged anyone with information that could help officers investigating these crimes to get in touch by calling 101, or using the Live Chat option on the force website, quoting crime number 20/215129/26.

Gemma Meaton, associate director for regulation at Dudley Council, said that enforcement action was taken against the pub in 2017, requiring the removal of shutters which had been installed without planning permission.

“Since this time there have been no planning applications submitted to the council," she said.