By Isle of Wight Observer
Police have issued an awareness alarm following a series of burglaries at the Priory Bay Hotel, which is currently being restored.
Response officer, PC Martin, has revealed that there has been an increase in burglaries at the Priory Bay and, because of this, they will be increasing patrols around the St Helens and Seaview area.
PC Martin said: “Burglaries can significantly impact the process of restoring vacant properties in several ways; these include increased costs, delays in restoration, decreased property value, security concerns and insurance complications.
“In this instance I would like to remind the public that this is a private property, clearly sign-posted, and patrolled by a security team with CCTV coverage.
“If anyone has any information that could assist with the ongoing investigation behind these burglaries, please call police on 101 quoting crime reference 44240485207
“As I’m sure that many of you will agree, to see the Priory Bay Hotel restored to its former glory would be something that many of us would like to see and, hopefully, visit the home of the blue lady and her dog again. Who knows, the dog may be haunting these criminals. We all know not to move the dog!”
The Blue Lady ghost is thought to have been a young girl who lived in the building around two centuries ago, which was then known as Nettlestone Priory; she was thought to be quite happy while her stuffed dog remained in the building, but after he was sold she was heard desperately sobbing and crying out for her former playmate. After the animal was found in its glass case in a local antique shop and returned to its former place at the top of the main staircase, the Blue Lady returned to her former peaceful existence.
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter