EXCLUSIVE: Co-op appeal for police to help tackle ongoing brazen shoplifting in their stores.

Harold Hill resident fed up with empty shelves as shoplifters repeatedly target Hilldene store.

A shopper who uses the Co-op store at the Hilldene shopping centre has hit out at thieves who target the store daily, leaving it with empty shelves.

The resident who wished to remain unnamed, told the Havering Daily: “Hilldene are my nearest set of shops and I use the Co-op regularly. The staff are always helpful and do what they can, but the store is targeted by thieves everyday and we are sick of it.

“When you go in, you can see rows of empty shelves where thieves come in and literally walk out with bags full.

“I try and do my shopping twice a week, but it is crazy to see how the store is reduced. What can the staff do? It’s not their job to run after thieves, you never know if they are carrying knives.

“The whole area suffers with anti social behaviour. Drunks sitting out on the benches, thieves, I know the police do what they can, but this problem needs to be addressed urgently as it is impacting the whole community.”

A spokesperson for the Co-op told the Havering Daily:

“Crime in many communities is increasing, with known, repeat and prolific offenders predominately driving the incidents of brazen theft which is an ongoing challenge for all retailers. Co-op continues to invest significantly in keeping its colleagues and stores safe.

“While we are doing all we can, we also need police forces and those with the power to enforce consequences to ensure these criminals can no longer operate in communities without fear of being caught or charged.”

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