Shoppers at a Sainsbury’s store have been left “intimidated and afraid” following a series of masked shoplifting raids.
The incidents at the Muirend superstore in Glasgow have prompted serious concerns for customer and staff safety.
Two local councillors have raised the alarm over what they describe as “repeated shoplifting incidents carried out by masked individuals” at the location.
The situation has become so concerning that Glasgow City Councillors have taken the step of writing directly to Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts about the ongoing criminal activity.
Shoppers at Muirend Sainsbury’s in Glasgow have been intimated by masked shoplifters
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In their letter to the Sainsbury’s chief executive, Councillors John Carson and Catherine Vallis of the Linn ward detailed growing concerns from local customers.
“We have been made increasingly aware of concerns from customers of repeated shop lifting incidents being carried out by masked individuals, which have left people intimidated and afraid,” the Labour councillors wrote.
They emphasised their worry for both customers and staff, adding: “I’m sure you will share with us our immediate concern for the wellbeing of shop users and staff in response to these incidents.”
The councillors, representing the Linn ward, are pushing for immediate action to address the security situation at the Muirend store.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Myself and Councillor @CateVallis have been greatly concerned by the reports of continued shoplifting incidents at @sainsburys in Muirend, Glasgow which is putting customers and staff at risk.
We have now written the following letter to Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts. pic.twitter.com/YQmKlcDMcm
— Cllr Johnny Carson (@PostmanCarson) December 4, 2024
Police Scotland has committed to regular patrols of the store “where possible,” according to the councillors.
However, law enforcement is unable to maintain continuous surveillance of the store and surrounding area.
Despite police involvement, the councillors noted that “the incidents are still occurring” at the Muirend location.
The councillors have specifically called for Sainsbury’s to employ a security guard at the Muirend store.
In their letter to the Sainsbury’s chief executive, Councillors John Carson and Catherine Vallis of the Linn ward detailed growing concerns from local customers
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They pointed to the smaller Sainsbury’s store in Battlefield, which already has a security guard on site, as an example of existing security measures.
In their appeal to CEO Simon Roberts, the councillors requested security presence “to provide a deterrent to future criminal behaviour.”
They emphasised the need “to restore confidence in the local community that concerns for the safety of customers and staff at Sainsbury’s Muirend are being taken seriously.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson told GB News: “Customer and colleague safety is our highest priority. We are supporting our Sainsbury’s Muirend store and working with the police.”