TOWN centre shopkeepers are being driven out of business because of repeated break-ins by burglars, it has been claimed.

Vince Ayris, owner of a shoe repair and key cutting shop in Havelock Street, says he is sick of the continuous string of attacks on businesses.

In September alone, police investigated eight cases of theft or attempted burglary in Havelock Street.

One, at Revert BMX and skateboarding shop, led to the closure of the business.

Gillie's cafe is the latest business to be hit, after thieves entered the flat above the cafe and stole almost £200 from a filing cabinet.

Mr Ayris, 40, has now fitted high-tech sensor equipment in the shoe repairs after a failed break-in attempt at the back of the shop three weeks ago left him with a hole in his garage roof.

But he believes the best way to deter criminals is to bring back the stocks, the medieval contraption used to name and shame felons in public.

Mr Ayris was first burgled in February 2001 and estimates he has spent more than £3,000 to replace damaged property in subsequent attacks on his business.

Mr Ayris, from Lawn, said: "There has been a problem for ages and we are all sick of it. These thieves look for the weakest link in shops and just take what they want.

"It happens time after time. When they tried my shop three weeks ago they must have been startled by my security light and stumbled backwards, putting their leg through the garage roof.

"I have had panels chiselled out of my doors, Swiss army knives stolen and crowbars taken to the locks. No matter how secure places are, these people still manage to get in.

"Something has to be done to stop it. If the stocks were brought back it would serve as a public humiliation to them and their families."

Burglars at Gillies cafe were caught in action by a security camera when they broke in on September 22.

Owner Gill Morgan, says she has no idea how the burglars managed to get in through the locked back door.

Mrs Morgan, 64, said: "I only knew we had been burgled when I went to pick up the floats and thought they were very light. They didn't make any mess and there was no sign of forced entry.

"I have bars on the windows as there have been a number of incidents like this. Unfortunately this is what happens in the world nowadays."

Ironically Havelock Street is also home to the Safer Swindon Shop, where people can get advice on safety matters and information on a wide range of services around the town.

Manager Jean Goncalves says that their premises haven't been targeted before because there is nothing of interest to burglars.

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said officers are aware of the spate of crime in the area and patrols were taking place in Havelock Street.

She said: "We appeal for information and would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area ."