Shops urged to ‘guard against thieves, gangs’

A local councillor has warned traders not to keep large amounts of revenue on their premises and to take steps to thwart possible robberies.

Patricia Logue, a S‌inn Féin councillor for the Moor District Electoral Area (DEA), said: “Sadly with the introduction of the dark mornings and early dark nights in the run up to Christmas we always see small businesses in Derry being targeted by opportunist thieves and organised criminals gangs.

“It could be someone looking to get their hands on £40-50 quickly or a gang after the day’s takings or stealing high value stock to sell through their criminal networks in the city.”

She said that with many local companies already under enormous pressure as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the associated restrictions any further losses through crime could be catastrophic.

“The effects of this could set a small business back months,” said Colr. Logue, whose constituency covers the city centre as well as the Bishop Street, Brandywell, Bogside and Creggan area.

Businesses are being warned to be on their guard and not to leave any open doors or easy opportunities for criminals this winter.

“I would urge all businesses in the city not to keep any large amounts of money on their premises and put a few extra security measures in place over the next few weeks.

“It must be very upsetting for the members of staff or customers caught up in such ordeals,” said Colr. Logue.

She concluded by appealing to the public to be vigilant and to be on the look out for unusual activity or anything that seems out of place.

“I would appeal to anyone who sees anything suspicious around any business over the coming weeks to contact the police,” pleaded the Moor DEA representative.