Fed-up businesses at breaking point after shocking spate of break-ins in east end

May 9 2012 Exclusive by Emma Smith

ONE city street has been rocked by a spate of break-ins – costing businesses thousands of pounds.

The Tollcross MoT Centre, Masonic Hall, Elders Bar and Hutton Fine Art in Causewayside Street have all been hit in recent weeks.

And people told the Glaswegian they believe the situation has become so bad that the local Londis shop had been broken into THREE times in a week.

It’s also thought nearby Weldtech Industrial Services and Tollcross Bowling Club have been targeted.

Yesterday, Letitia Reid, manager of MoT Centre, said: “We’ve had our phone lines cut. And last night, the Londis store was robbed again.

“Today, a woman who works in the Masonic Hall came in to ask my husband if he would go in with her so she could open up as she was so scared.

“It’s been awful. So many businesses have been hit hard as when they can’t get in, they cut the phone lines. Something has to be done about this.”

The Elders Bar has also been hit three times in the last three months and the owners have had to spend £2000 after phone lines and locks were destroyed.

Manager Stuart Thomson said: “It has been a really stressful time. We’ve had to spend a lot of money to repair the damage and make sure our business is secure.

“The person destroyed the phone lines and took a claw hammer to our doors.

“The next day, I couldn’t even get into my pub because the locks were damaged and when I did none of the TVs worked because the wiring had all been cut.”

Hutton Fine Art boss Kathleen Hutton said: “I hope police catch them soon as it’s concerning how many incidents there have been.”

MP for Glasgow East Margaret Curran added: “I was shocked to hear about the recent break-ins in the Tollcross area.

“I have contacted police and will work together with them to ensure that local businesses remain secure and they receive all the support they require.”

Police said inquires are ongoing.