A fuming business owner had three break-ins within 24 hours suffering up to £15,000 worth of damage.
Scott Fensome was left devastated after his grade-two listed theatre was targeted repeatedly by burglars.
The property was purchased by the e-commerce business owner with plans of turning it into a studio, live music venue and bar.
READ MORE: Abbot’s kneecap returned 70 years after being stolen by scallywag schoolboy
However, the hat trick of break ins in one night has put a severe halt to those plans – after windows and doors were left smashed in.
“I just felt a bit demoralised after the break-ins because I’m in a bit of a sticky position where I can’t move forward until this is sorted out,” Scott, from Portsmouth, told Need To Know.
“All the break-ins were through forced entry, smashed windows, broken doors and boarded up windows being smashed through.
“They stole copper the first time, the second time they came back to get some evidence they had left behind – that was their rucksack.
“I left it on the floor for the police but they didn’t come in time.
“Third time I’m not sure what they wanted but they set the fire alarm off and smashed it to pieces as well as a load of cameras.”
The first two break-ins took place between 3pm and 5pm on 27 Jul at Groundlings Theatre on Kent Street in Portsmouth.
Police confirmed that the building had been broken into and copper pipes had been taken.
The third break on 28 Jul saw a window broken and further damage being caused to the property.
Scott said: “I discovered the break-in as I was actually recording a vlog for my new daily vlog channel Fensome, so I caught it live on camera.
“I think they have done around £10,000 to £15,000-worth of damage so far.
“Police have come and gotten fingerprints and DNA from a joint they left behind but no progress so far.”
The trio of break ins has left Scott feeling wary about the property – admitting he doesn’t feel safe being there on his own.
He said: “it’s definitely affecting my sense of safety.
“I’m a bit worried about being at the property by myself.
“I spoke to the neighbours and they seem lovely and they said they were to give the police a call if they hear anything else so that has been quite supporting.
“Anyway, I’m still planning on moving forward.
“I just need to work with the council to make sure I have the appropriate planning.”
A spokesperson for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “We received a report that between 3pm on 26 July and 5pm on 27 July, Groundlings Theatre on Kent Street in Portsmouth had been broken into and copper pipes had been stolen from the building.
“We received a report that the theatre had been broken into a second time on 28 July, and that a window had been broken and damage had been caused inside the building.
“An investigation has been launched, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
READ MORE: Brit mum, 45, caught smuggling £500,000 of Thai cannabis into UK in suitcases
