BUSINESSES are calling for closed circuit cameras to be installed after a spate of burglaries and vandalism.

Furniture manufacturer and retailer Purely Pine, on Colburn Industrial Estate, North Yorkshire, was targeted twice over the weekend by thieves.

On Friday night, a door was kicked in and more than £15,000 worth of tools and stock was taken.

Then, on Sunday night, ram-raiders smashed their way through steel shutters.

Andrew Harris set up the business with brother Ryan a year and a half ago.

He said: "This has been a big knock to us.

"They've taken the tools of our trade so we can't work, and we employ two men who still have to be paid.

"Colburn is supposed to be an up-and-coming area, but it's not going to attract businesses if we keep getting break-ins.

"Nobody saw anything because the nearest CCTV cameras is 250 metres away.

"When the police came out, they admitted there were only four officers between Colburn and Hawes.

"We need cameras on our estate, and we haven't even got street lighting."

A burger van was also stolen from the estate on Friday, and last Monday ram-raiders made off with thousands of pounds worth of motorcycle clothing from a shop on nearby Walkerville Industrial Estate.

Car dealer Chris Cole, from CC Automotive, in Catterick Road, Colburn, is organising a petition of local businesses to call for better security and CCTV cameras.

"Vandalism and petty theft from vehicles has cost us thousands and we're getting sick of it," he said.

"If something isn't done, there will be no remedy and it will just keep happening."

A letter will also be sent to Richmondshire police, the council and local councillors calling for action.

Linda MacDougall, community safety co-ordinator with Richmondshire District Council, said: "If the businesses feel they have got serious problems, they should be referred to the community safety partnership.

"We can then look at our intelligence and send someone out to talk to people to find out what the problem is."

Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Richmondshire police on (01609) 789321.