Yahoo News Police object to Heron Foods Grimsby store alcohol licence application over shoplifting concern
Humberside Police have lodged an objection to Heron Foods getting a licence to sell alcohol at one of its Grimsby stores because of over 50 thefts in a year from the store. This includes one incident where a basket of chocolate was chucked.
The supermarket chain has three stores in Grimsby and Cleethorpes area. It has applied to sell alcohol at its store in Second Avenue, in Nunsthorpe.
The police have insisted on at least a security person at the door at all times, because of the shoplifting the store already gets. Heron Foods do not agree that a security person is needed.
Because of the disagreement, councillors are to decide on the licence application at a meeting on Monday, November 18.
Shoplifting police concern
As part of Humberside Police's consideration of the application, it contacted its local policing team. Its submission states "concern was immediately raised regarding the premises having a licence, with the next concern asking whether there would be security at the shop".
A security presence had been requested by police to staff "on multiple occasions over the years". It was a store "that is targeted by shoplifters in the area", and concern was raised by local police this would increase with the sale of alcohol.
Nunsthorpe has been recognised under the Government's 'Clear Hold Build' initiative as a crime hot-spot. There have been over 50 reports of theft linked to the store in the last year, and majority of these have been made since April. There have also been three assaults since April, the police submission states.
This includes one instance when the suspect "threw a basket of chocolate outside the door", causing a customer to cut their finger on the door frame. A scuffle followed and the suspect fell into the window, causing a crack.
Humberside Police state in their submission they believe a security person "is essential" to uphold the licensing objective of prevention of crime and disorder. Heron Foods disagree.
In their written submission to councillors, the supermarket chain states: "Heron Foods are fully agreeable to a condition requiring them to risk assess the need for door supervisors, but do not based on their experience at this store, feel that it is proportionate to have a specific door supervisor condition in respect of this particular store." It also asserts that two adjacent shops do not have a licensing condition for security door staff.
The sale of alcohol is sought from 7am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and 7am to 8pm on Sundays.
