CRIMINALS are taking advantage of lockdown measures to profit from the Covid-19 pandemic – with business premises across the Herald area raided in recent weeks.

The Grade II-listed Bourne Mill Antiques Centre became the latest victim of a burglary this week – but The Swan Hotel in Alton, Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford and Red H Wine Bar in Haslemere, among others, have all been targeted by thieves in recent weeks.

The surge in offences has prompted Surrey Police to increase patrols in Waverley borough and urge businesses to check their security arrangements.

But Haslemere Chamber of Trade is among those calling for a more “robust plan of action” to keep businesses safe.

Officers were called to reports of five males wearing balaclavas putting items into a white 15-plate BMW 1 Series at the Bourne Buildings on Guildford Road just before 1am on Tuesday.

The suspects had broken into and raided the antiques centre, stealing “numerous items”. It came just six months after the Bourne Mill reopened, four years after a fire ripped through the 300-year-old landmark.

Anyone with information can call 101 and quote PR/45200036458, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Thieves also broke into the Rural Life Living Museum late last month, making off with a haul of priceless artefacts linked to the area’s rural heritage.

And The Swan Hotel in Alton High Street was raided on the evening of Monday, March 30, with two thieves entering through a first-floor bedroom window while landlord Carl Lozano and his family were eating dinner downstairs.

Speaking to the Herald, Carl said he only became aware of the break-in after the thieves had escaped, taking a Playstation 4 console, laptop, mobile phone and MP3 player, all belonging to his disabled son, worth around £800.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting 44200115488.

A shoplifter also took ten bottles of spirits while queuing at Red H wine bar in Haslemere on Monday, an incident described as “upsetting” by bar owner Douglas Howard.

And other local businesses have expressed concerns about the safety and security of their premises and facilities during the lockdown.

The president of the Haslemere and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Craig McGowan, said: “Keeping Haslemere’s businesses safe and secure is vital. Many have had to close or amend their operations in light of the coronavirus.

“They now face the added pressure of being an easy target for criminal gangs who see empty premises as easy pickings.

“We have appealed to Surrey Police for a robust plan of action to maintain security in the town, especially overnight.”