Community police help ‘intimidated’ charity shop staff combat thieves

The Debra charity shop on Sandringham Road, Intake, has suffered serious problems with theft, but staff said the number of incidents had fallen since they called in their local community officers.

Shop managers said the thefts had left staff at the charity shop feeling intimidated and vulnerable and unsure of who to contact for help.

But after Police Community Support Officer Susan Baker from the Wheatley and Intake Safer Neighbourhood Team attended the store and offered a number of tips and advice to help stop shoplifters the problem has been tackled. Signs have now been put up to warn closed circuit television cameras are installed, and the layout of the shop has been changed so that staff can have a better view.

PCSO Baker said she had also introduced the manager to other shops on Sandringham Road and encouraged them to share advice and contact each other if they had information about shoplifters in the area. “The manager came to us as she was feeling intimidated and concerned about the shoplifters. I was able to offer crime prevention advice and ensure she felt supported.”

The assistant manager of Debra charity shop, Margaret Jerrison, added: “The officers from the safer neighbourhood team have been a huge help. I didn’t really know what to do and felt vulnerable in the shop.

“The advice they have given is really working and I now feel supported not only by them but also by the other shops on the road.”