A BURGLARY at The Lawrence Centre in Chamberlain Street is one of several incidents in Wells that police are investigating.

Other incidents include an attempted break-in at Sante Wines in Wells High Street, and criminal damage at the launderette in St Cuthbert Street, the dry cleaners in Queen Street and Just Ales micropub in Market Street.

Lawrence Centre manager Maggie Charlesworth contacted police after discovering the break-in at the day centre, which provides activities and companionship for older people, on Saturday, February 16.

Two doors were forced open and filing cabinets in the office were smashed apart, while a lock on a container outside was snapped off and equipment strewn on the ground. A pot of money was also stolen containing about £50, takings from the sale of greetings cards.

"We're totally shocked," said Maggie.

"It's the second time in two years. I can't understand why anyone would do this to a dedicated, hard-working charity."

The break-in is believed to have happened between 6pm on Friday, February 15, and midday on Saturday.

Maggie said that the centre's front door will now be strengthened, and an alarm installed.

There was an apparent attempt to burgle Sante Wines in Wells High Street just after 1.30am on Sunday, February 17.

Police were called by staff from Mendip District Council's CCTV who had spotted suspicious behaviour. At 1.35am a man in his 40s was arrested nearby on suspicion of attempted burglary. He was later released under investigation.

The shop door was damaged but no entry was gained and nothing was stolen.

Police were also called just before 9.40am on Saturday, February 16, to a report of criminal damage at the launderette in St Cuthbert Street, Wells. The door was damaged between 5pm on Friday, February 15, and 9.30am on Saturday. There was no entry to the premises and nothing was stolen.

PC Darren Pearson of the local policing team said: "Please make sure you secure and alarm your premises overnight and if you have CCTV, ensure it is working and you are able to download the images captured."

He added: "There have been incidents at Just Ales in Market Street and the dry cleaners in Queen Street both having plants removed and damage caused. This is thought to be mindless vandalism by persons who have consumed too much alcohol. We will be reviewing CCTV of these incidents to try and identify the culprits.

"If anyone has any information about any of these incidents please contact your local beat team."

People can get in touch through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101, quoting the relevant reference number (Lawrence Centre: 5219034850; Sante Wines: 5219035230; launderette: 5219034701).