Co-Op Increases Security At Gunnersbury Store

Following complaints of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour

Chiswick High Road Co-op

The Co -Op supermarket group has responded to complaints that lack of security at its store in Gunnersbury has led to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. A statement from the company said they have 'introduced a full-time security presence' in the store.

Locals had complained to Hounslow Council and to Ruth Cadbury saying they were fearful of shopping at the store on Chiswick High Road, because of groups gathering nearby to drink alcohol which had been stolen from the store. This had led to locals feeling intimidated and they wanted the store to increase its security.

They accused Co-Op of "putting profits before community relations" by failing to address their concerns, despite its claim to be a company which engages with local communities.

A statement from Co-Op said: "Retail Crime is at the highest level it has been for 12 years and Co-op is doing everything we can to protect our colleagues, members and customers and ensure their safety. We do not expect or ask our colleagues to put themselves at risk and their safety is our top priority. Unfortunately this is the retail environment we live in and that’s why we are seeking to tackle the causes of crime against shop workers and highlight the importance of this issue with Government and policy makers through our Safer Colleagues, Safer Communities campaign."

"In response to the issues experienced at this store we have introduced a full time security presence. Unfortunately the colleague who was due to attend the meeting had a medical emergency whilst travelling and was therefore not able to attend. We are aware that residents have requested a licence review which we will be preparing for in the next few weeks."

Local residents had complained that an alleyway near Silver Crescent had become populated by 'down and outs and criminals', who steal alcohol from the store easily because of a lack of security. The locals threatened to oppose the store's licence to sell alcohol unless an attachment was included specifying that the store should provide full-time security.

There have been a number of meetings by concerned residents. One told us he had heard fifteen eyewitness accounts of thefts. The police have been called to the area a number of times but no arrests have been made.

A formal meeting was held last week (Thursday 7 November) attended by residents, Hounslow Council's Licence Enforcement Officer, and the West Area Police Licensing Enforcement Officer. A senior member of the Co-Op's management team at regional level was invited and was scheduled to attend, but did not arrive. Th Co Op said this was due to a medical emergency whilst travelling.

Ruth Cadbury had expressed her concern about "a lack of security" around the supermarket.

She said: "I have written to Co-op asking for urgent action about the large amount of shop lifting and anti-social behaviour taking place both in, and around the shop on Chiswick High Road.

"Local residents and business owners have told me how worried they've been about the lack of security."

Cllr Joanna Biddolph who is a councillor for the Turnham Green ward said she had been approached by a number of local people about the issue.

Shoplifting is an ongoing problem for all the major stores in the Chiswick area. The traders' alliance is discussing how to best share information so they can warn each other about shoplifters operating in the area.

November 14, 2019