Chippie raided after burglars jump through the roof

The owners of a chip shop have been left aghast after burglars broke into their property, by ripping tiles off the roof and jumping in.
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Julian Hudson and Tara Hickey, who run Robbie’s Fish and Chip Shop on Ings Road in Batley, resiliently remained open for business yesterday (Tuesday) despite the overnight break in that left the shop’s ceiling ruined.

The criminals made off with £80 in change and also swiped a charity box which was nearly full, and would have been donated to the Blind Society.

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Tara, 42, said officers told them that they were probably targeted, as the operation would have required a degree of planning.

She added: “We’ve got shutters and a padlocked gate as well as the normal locks - the roof is the only way they could get in.

“The most upsetting thing was that they took the charity box, which is contributed to by our customers and which would have gone towards people who really need it.”

Tara and Julian, who postponed getting married specially to take over the chippie in June last year, say the attack has left them wondering if they will be subjected to further break-ins in the future.

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Tara said: “It leaves us feeling really vulnerable. It makes us worry about whether this is only the beginning.

“We’ve tried really hard to integrate with the local community since we took over - we’ve put on fun events and things - and it just makes us feel a little bit disappointed that there’s people out there who would do this.

“I feel sorry for these people that they have to stoop to that level. Their lives must be really poor.”

PC Louise Hurst, of Batley & Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Police are investigating following a burglary at a takeaway in Ings Road, Batley, in which a small amount of cash was stolen.

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“The offence happened sometime between 8pm on Monday, March 9, and 9am on Tuesday, March 10. Entry has been gained by removing slates from the roof and it may be that someone has seen someone on the roof and not realised what was happening.

“If anyone has seen anyone behaving suspiciously in the area overnight between March 9 and 10 they are asked to call Batley & Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.”

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