Dental surgery burgled month after opening

A new dental surgery in Norwich has been burgled just a month after it opened in a purpose-designed building.

Burglars targeted St James Dental Centre in Barrack Street between 6.10pm on Friday, January 4 and 2.30pm on Sunday, January 6.

Suspects broke in through a side window before forcing an internal door to get inside the main building.

Three flat-screen TVs were disconnected and removed from walls in the reception area, treatment room and staff room.

It comes just a month after the new surgery opened, at the former Sportsman pub, after moving from opposite the Royal Mail building in Thorpe Road. The new building has room for 500 extra patients.

Isobel Hughes, practice manager, said: 'Obviously we are very upset, as we worked very hard to get the practice up and running.

'We need to have four new internal doors replaced, as well as new furniture, filing cabinets and staff lockers.

'But as a result we have reviewed our security measures, to make it harder to break in.'

The news comes amid a recent spate of shed break-ins across the city. These are not being linked to the burglary, but a Norfolk police spokesman said: 'It's worthwhile investing in security.

'A decent padlock and a battery-powered shed alarm are cost-effective ways to help protect your property. Most alarms cost just a few pounds and let off a considerable noise which could help deter would-be thieves.'

Witnesses to the Barrack Street burglary should contact PC Paul Collins at Bethel Street police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Have you been the recent victim of a break-in? Call David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk