24 Sep 2024
Journalism student Mia Jimenez asks local independent businesses whether they feel safe in light of the recent knifepoint robbery at a shop…
You wouldn’t leave your front door at home open for anyone to come in, but that is what our local retailers are expected to do in the name of accessibility and customer service. But in the wake of a recent knifepoint robbery at CEX, it is only natural that some local businesses are concerned.
St Albans boasts a large community of independent businesses, but they are at risk of thefts much more than the big chains, being more vulnerable as they are smaller and often have less security measures in place.
Gift shop Raindrops on Roses, located on the High Street, recently had a theft scare in the store.
Manager Carolyn Miles explained: “We had an incident where I’m not quite sure what could have happened if a woman outside didn’t call us, warning us and the police… They did come quickly so I can’t fault them.
“The bigger stores have walkie talkies that connect straight to security in St Albans. But other than something like that I can’t really think what else the police can do.”
Donna Nichols is the owner of Chloe James Lifestyle, also on the High Street: “We keep a close eye on people in the store and we have a group chat of hospitality and retailers in St Albans.
“The BID (Business Improvement District) has done something which we can all sign up to where they put pictures on there of serial offenders which we get access to. Using this we can all let each other know of any threats there may be.”
She said: “The only thing that I would say is for the police to be a bit more responsive when things do happen because we have CCTV, so we have pictures of people stealing. But I don’t know what else can be done other than us all just being in touch and often we do as neighbours go to each other and say ‘Look out for this person’.”
Last week more than 1,700 prisoners were released early as part of Labour’s plan to free up more space which potentially means more petty criminals will be on the streets in the lead-up to Christmas.
Award-winning fashion retailer The Dressing Room sells a variety of high-quality clothing and jewellery brands. It is owned by Deryane Tadd who has curated a female centric team and culture within her business.
Store manager Charley Welch said they were aware of an increase in thefts from shops in the city: “We are aware it has been rising. Over the last year we have been more wary, but our service involves a lot of one-to-one interaction and help so we are with each person in the store as much as possible.”
Store supervisor Amee I’Anson added: “I wouldn’t say I’ve ever felt particularly unsafe in the store but there have been some incidents.
“We try to make sure to have more than two people on the shop floor at all times and have lots of people looking out for us in and around the store as well.”
