Accrington: Crafty Fox owner calls for change as thieves cost him thousands

Paul Fox, owner of The Crafty Fox on Abbey Street in Accrington, says his business has fallen victim to a serious break-in, and several attempted break-ins, since opening last year.

After liaising with police and writing several impact statements he says he can now “put the crimes to the back of [his] mind” after officers told him the perpetrators will be facing justice for their crimes.

Paul Fox

Now, he is calling for change in the Accrington community and says more needs to be done to tackle petty crime and support small businesses.

Back in October, just three weeks after opening, thieves smashed their way into the bar - they made off with around £30 in change from one of the tills but caused thousands in damage.

Paul said this incident has had a negative impact on his mental health and left him struggling to sleep for six months.

He explained: “At the time I was pretty ill and I struggled with my mental health as I put so much energy and effort into opening the place. The business was doing well but it was a pretty dark time for me.

"I’ve always been open about my mental health struggle and I had to go back to counselling because of the sleep deprivation.”

While this was the biggest break-in there have also been several other attempts over the last 12 months.

Paul added: “We’ve had a break-in and also quite a bit of petty crime.

“One man attempted break-in around the back and also tried to take the money out of the till when a staff member was upstairs. Guys have tried climbing over the wall and trying their luck.”

The 52-year-old estimates these criminals have cost him more than £5,000 in damage alone, with plenty of other costs associated with lost earnings.

He has invested “thousands” into security, fitted extra locks and reinforced the roof.

The building is even fitted with a high-tech alarm which alerts police if there is a break-in.

Inside The Crafty Fox

However, despite all of these precautions, Paul says he “still worries” that thieves will break in and cost his business even more.

According to Paul, he isn’t the only small business with these concerns.

He said: “Recently, I have heard from so many local businesses who have been broken into, in and around Abbey Street.

“People have been walking up to shops and throwing bricks through windows.

“Thieves will break in to steal a few pounds from a charity box but they’re causing thousands in damage – the stress on a business as a result of this is unbelievable."

Paul is now rallying for change and wants councillors, police and the community to work together to “tackle petty crime” in the area.

He said: “I feel like not enough is being done. We can’t stop people from breaking into shops and businesses but there needs to be some kind of change or support.

“We are all just trying to make this town a better place but the petty crime here is too bad.

“I have written to MPs and crime commissioners asking how we can enact change. I urge small businesses to do the same and don’t let criminals get away with it.”

Hyndburn MP, Sara Britcliffe, says she has passed this concern on to police.

She said: “Paul has done a fantastic job at The Crafty Fox, and I know that thought is echoed by many. He has created a vibrant and welcoming space for lovely drinks and food and it is important that we do all that we can to support that.

“It is thoroughly frustrating that mindless criminals ruin this for our local businesses.

“I have passed this on to the police and will be looking to have further meetings to see what more can be done collaboratively.

“Our local businesses are at the heart of our community and I have always done as much as possible to support and promote them.”

Lancashire Police has been approached for comment.