A PLYMOUTH businessman – and former police officer – has said he was left shocked after female shopworkers admitted they were facing shoplifters on an almost daily basis.
The incident has highlighted growing concerns across the country at the rise in shoplifting and abuse suffered by shop workers – particularly women working alone or in small numbers.
Stuart Elford, the chief executive of Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, initially took to social media to highlight the issue, saying he had just gone to the aid of two female members of staff of a Co-op convenience store in Plymouth which he often frequents as they dealt with “two shoplifters who became aggressive”.
He explained on X: “One asked me if I wanted a fight. I think my face said it all. He ran away. I'm a big softie, but I hate bullies!"
Speaking to The Herald, Stuart confirmed the incident took place at Co-op store on the night of Sunday, June 14, "in between the tennis and the football' and he "quickly became aware" of an "odd-looking" couple.
This story is from the July 25, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 25, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Salon shortlisted again for top gong
NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR SECOND YEAR
Dad sets himself a chilly challenge
A PLYMOUTH dad has set himself a freezing challenge for the whole of December, in an effort to raise as much cash as possible for the charity who helped his son when he was diagnosed with cancer.
Teachers follow pupils in tribute
A PLYMOUTH primary school has paid tribute to a Christmas classic for a second time after a great result back in 2020 when the pupils recreated the well-known East 17 track.
New police head 'the man to turn the force around'
THE man appointed to head Devon and Cornwall police while two chief constables remain suspended could help the force come out of special measures, according to the region’s police and crime commissioner.
Family's shock as Rolo is shot with an air rifle
'WE CANNOT BELIEVE A SICK INDIVIDUAL COULD DO THIS'
Elena is breaking down barriers in engineering
AN aspiring engineer is breaking down barriers for other disabled people who don't think they can pursue it as a career. Elena Brake used to be an artist but had to consider other options because of the physical nature of her work.
Knight & Hambly hold their nerve to win tie-breaks
VAL Knight and Caroline Hambly proved to be the tie-break queens in a very long match when they played Pauline Smith and Nichola Barraclough in Ladies C.
Argyle have decisions to make ahead of busy transfer window
THE January transfer window opens in a fortnight and all the indications are that it will be a busy time for Plymouth Argyle because of the pressing need to strengthen Wayne Rooney's squad in the bid to ensure Championship survival.
Bethell puts pressure on
CRICKET Brendon McCullum admits Jacob Bethell has given England a selection dilemma, leaving vice-captain Ollie Pope battling to keep his spot.
Keely is the 'real deal' - Lord Coe
WORLD Athletics president Lord Coe is convinced \"real deal\" and newly-crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year Keely Hodgkinson has already ascended to British great status.
