GOLDERS Green traders are planning night-time security patrols after a spate of break-ins. Audacious burglars have targeted six businesses on Golders Green Road in the last two weeks

Marc Mullen

GOLDERS Green traders are planning night-time security patrols after a spate of break-ins.

Audacious burglars have targeted six businesses on Golders Green Road in the last two weeks.

Thieves have escaped with safes, computers and even £600 in loose change.

Unhappy with a lack of police presence on the streets at night, traders are now clubbing together to fund private security guards.

Coby Sinvani, owner of Coby's coffee and flower shop, whose premises were raided in the early hours of March 27, said: "I think we need some kind of private security.

"The police can only do what they can. We need someone to patrol the area after all the business people have gone home.

"If all the businesses in this part of Golders Green Road take part and pay £31 a day, that should pay for a patrol to stop these robberies."

On March 20, raiders broke through the rear window of Chopstix kosher noodle bar a few yards away and escaped with a safe and more than £1,000 cash.

Owner Asi Gabay said: "It must have taken two or three of them to get away with the safe. It weighs about 120 kilos and it was bolted to the floor.

"They got away with a computer and about £1,000 in cash - but the insurance didn't pay anything out for cash.

"The police did some forensics but they didn't ask any of the neighbours if they saw anything or if something similar had happened. I am very disappointed in the service."

Across the road, Baskin Robbins and Pita Humous and Falafel takeaway were hit last week.

Thieves lugged away £600 in coins, which was in the back office of Pita.

Owner Beni Mush said: "They come from the back alleys, where the CCTV doesn't point. They must have made a few trips with the coins and the safe.

"There are cameras at the front - but the big worry for cameras is catching you parking illegally and giving out fines. No-one is interested if there are people breaking into our businesses."

A Barnet police spokesman could not say whether the break-ins were being linked at this stage.

He added: "The investigation is still ongoing. We cannot disclose police tactics."

Anyone interested in contributing towards private security is asked to speak to Mr Sinvani at Coby's coffee shop.

marc.mullen@hamhigh.co.uk