In Lancashire children are to be warned of the dangers of trespassing on factory premises after a teenager was caught stealing biscuits and selling them to school friends.
A number of thefts, thought to have been committed by youths, have been occurring at Burton’s Biscuits’ Manfield Road site. Heavy machinery and moving vehicles mean there is a risk to anyone trespassing at the site.
A 13-year-old boy has now been spoken to by officers after admitting stealing products from the site on seven different occasions.
The youngster was formally questioned after evidence was given to a school-based PCSO, showing that the stolen biscuits were subsequently being sold to fellow pupils. The teenager has since been reprimanded as a result of his involvement in the thefts. Further enquiries will be made to speak to other youths involved in the thefts.
Sgt Richard Greer, Blackpool neighbourhood police team, said: "The issue of youngsters stealing from Burton’s has been a PACT priority for several months. The site can be a very dangerous place for unauthorised people. There are a lot of fork lift trucks and HGVs in operation.
"Children who go on to the site without permission or without being supervised are putting themselves at risk of harm. In this case, stealing is not only a crime but is also dangerous."
Officers will be visiting schools in the new term to speak to pupils about the dangers of trespassing on factory sites.
Sgt Greer added: "It is important that children know the consequences of their actions. Stealing from local businesses such as Burton’s has a negative effect on the local community – many of whom are reliant on these places for employment. Added to this are the dangers of going on to a busy and hectic site without supervision, and the possibility of a criminal conviction for theft."
