Peterborough shop refused permission for security gates to protect from 'devastating' break-ins

Thorney Food Stores has been refused permission for new security gates for what owner Moe has described as a series of “devastating" break-ins.

The shop was hit most severely in January 2022 when ram raiders hit the store on Wisbech Road in the early hours of the morning; using a 4x4 to destroy the front of the shop.

It was not thought that anything was taken but it was the second time in a couple of years the shop has been targeted and the fourth time in total it had fallen victim to ram-raiders.

In plans submitted to the council for increased security, Moe stated: “In recent years, the shop has been plagued with a number of devastating break-ins.

"The reason for these burglaries have centred around high value items such as cigarettes, alcohol and the cash machine which are part and parcel of the nature of the business.”

Following the most recent ram raid, bollards have been installed at the front of the property, which is locally listed, but that has not deterred thieves.

Break-ins similar to previous ones have still occurred, according to the owner, including with perpetrators using a sledgehammer to gain entry via the door.

Peterborough City Council has resisted the idea of installing roller shutters as the building is listed and located within the Thorney Conservation Area.

The iron gate was worked on with Thorney Parish Council and was designed to be as “least intrusive to the character and appearance of the building as possible.”

The council’s planning department has rejected the new gates, however, due to the building’s Grade II listed status; stating in its decision notice: “The proposed introduction of metal security gates to the shopfront doorway would detrimentally impact upon the architectural and historic interest and significance of the Grade II Listed Building.

"The proposal would result in 'less than substantial harm' to the significance of this Grade II listed building which would not be outweighed by the public benefits.”