A Blackpool lingerie shop raided three times in three weeks by thieves is back open

The team at Lingerie Lounge on Church Street were close to shutting the doors for good after three break-ins in as many weeks in February costing more than £20,000.

Owner Chrissy Thomas Griffin said that the only way to keep the popular shop secure was to fit shutters at night.

But Blackpool Council turned down her request saying that roller shutters covering the windows and doors would not be appropriate in that part of town.

Thieves smashed windows and stole whole racks of underwear and other items and in one break-in, passers-by also went in afterwards and helped themselves to items.

Chrissy was on the point of closing as they could no longer get insurance having been targeted five times in two years, but then the council came up with an idea which may protect the shop.

Chrissy said: "Shortly after we appeared in the Gazette over the thefts, the council got in touch and suggested we be a pilot for internal shutters. It seemed like a great idea, but then before they were due to start work lockdown happened.

"So we have been closed since then. The council came to do the work last week and we are delighted, they even replaced the glass. They want to see how effective they are and how they look.

"I think they look great. During the day they don't look oppressive or block out much light and at night they look good and don't make the shop look like its empty like roller blinds do.

"The council are hoping they will work because they can then use them in other conservation areas. They are strong and we feel like the shop is a little fortress now. Everyone else i the street want to get them now!"

Chrissy has been able to get her team back together and open three days a week - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays.

She added: "It is wonderful to have everyone together again. We did a lot of work online during lockdown but we all missed each other and the customers. From October 5, we aim to be open full time."

A spokesman from the council said: "The council has installed them at the Lingerie Lounge as a pilot to understand how effective internal gate shutters are at deterring break-ins.

"Because planning policy does not allow solid roller shutters, we need to find an effective alternative. This type of shutter allows streets to be lighter, because lit stock displays provide additional light on to the street, and provide more nighttime visual interest because the stock can be seen but is protected from thieves."

He added that if successful the internal gate shutters could be used in other areas of town.