TWO Worcester businesses who have had to turn their premises into a fortress to fend off burglars have been struck again.

Washtec Domestic Appliances and Storm Wipers, which share premises on Three Springs Industrial Estate, off Vincent Road, have now been burgled five times in the last three months.

Since the second burglary at the end of April, they had bars fitted on the windows and skylights and cages made to put over the doors.

But this failed to deter persistent burglars who ripped off the front door which is triple-locked - as well as the metal cage installed in front of it.

The latest incident happened at about 3am yesterday when £2,000 worth of equipment including dishwashers and printers were stolen.

Ian Sanders, joint owner of Washtec Domestic Appliances with his wife Carolyne, said on this occasion the offenders had even tried to get in from above by ripping off a 15 foot roof panel.

"We just don't know what we can do any more,'' he said.

''We are at our wits end and all we can do is have a chuckle about it otherwise we'd break down."

Ian's brother, Nick, director of Storm Wipers, estimate collectively they have had more than £20,000 worth of goods stolen over the five break-ins.

A spokesperson for Worcester police said officers were investigating the latest incident.