More stallholders on Bury St Edmunds market raise concerns about thefts

More stallholders on Bury St Edmunds market have come forward with their concerns about the issue of thefts in the area.

It comes after a businesswoman, who has run her Cottage & Co stall since October, called for more police patrols during the market after a luxury item was stolen from her stall on December 23.

Two other market traders have also said they have had items stolen every so often.

Bryson Bell, of Bryson’s Boutique’s, said: “It normally happens if I get busy – it’s one thing here and there but sometimes they do take the coat hangers as well.

“It can happen once every two market days.”

He said he’s also seen people walking out with items such as meats from M&S and thinks there should be more police patrols in the town.

“There should be more patrols,” he added.

“The same people steal from M&S almost every week. Because they get away with it they keep doing it. If they keep getting away with it there, there’s more chance of them trying to do it here as well.”

James Geraghty, who runs the Jewellery People stall, said he has noticed rings going missing.

“I have the occasional ring stolen but generally people are honest,” he said.

“It’s only a 0.01 per cent of the population that makes the rest of us all fearful.

“Before Christmas I went to the bank quickly and my friend looked after the stall. A girl started chatting to him to see if he had a a difference size and her friend walked around and stole a bracelet.”

He said he’s unsure if installing cameras or more police patrols would stop people stealing items.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Police said: “Since the beginning of the month, as part of the constabulary’s new police operating model, there has been an increase in high visibility patrols.

“Members of public and stall holders can be reassured they will be seeing an officer on market days where patrols are focused on the town centre.”