A POLICE boss in Southampton has hit out at shoplifters targeting convenience stores following concerns raised by a resident.
Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy says his officers remain "committed to tackling these crimes", which are leaving a "long-lasting" impact on those affected.
His words come after Peartree resident, Nigel Jarivs, expressed his fear for the safety of shoppers and staff at the Co-op store on Bridge Road.
The 64-year-old said shoplifters take advantage of busy period to make off with "baskets full of stock".
The retired gardener, who has lived in the area for nine years, says the crime level has "never been this bad before".
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CI Kennedy has vowed to work with businesses to "bring those responsible to justice".
He said: "The emotional and physical effects that these types of offences – ranging from shoplifting, anti-social behaviour inside and outside the premises, to violence and other associated behaviours – can have on not only those employed by local businesses, but also the wider local community, is long-lasting and cause ongoing implications for those affected.
"My officers remain committed to tackling these crimes across the city, recognising the impacts that it has on members of the public as well as local business owners.
"Working in partnership with local businesses in absolutely vital to ensure we understand the problems being faced, and apprehending those responsible."
He added that it is important that local business look at different preventative measures and tactics such as having a security guard.
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CI Kennedy is encouraging Woolston residents to report these types of crimes should they witness them.
He added: "The information that you provide to us about suspicious incident or crimes that are taking place are reviewed on a daily basis by our local Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
"This ultimately determines where we best allocated our resources based on the threat, harm and demand upon our services; it gives us the bigger picture around what is happening in the community to be able to react swiftly, and robustly, to incidents which are reported into us.
"We want Southampton to be a safe place for people to live, and to work, without fear of being harassed in the street or in their local convenience store; or to feel as if they cannot explore their local community at their own free will without concern around other people’s behaviour.
"These types of behaviour has no place within Southampton."
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