Retail and community crime prevention and detection partnership Catch a Thief Leeds has released a CCTV appeal regarding a suspect believed to have repeatedly targeted a family-run business.
On 26 April 2024, CCTV footage captured a male suspect stealing three large packs of Ferrero Rocher chocolates while a female companion waited outside the store. This incident occurred at the Nisa store in Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 45 years old, around 5ft 9" tall, with short brownish-greying hair, short facial hair, and a slim build. He was wearing a blue jacket, black and grey joggers, and grey trainers during the theft.
Store Under Pressure
This isn’t the first time the family-run Nisa store has been targeted. The business has faced repeated incidents of theft and endured threats of violence, including knife threats, as well as verbal and racial abuse towards its staff. These ongoing challenges have caused significant financial strain on the store, impacting both employees and customers alike.
Retail Crime Harms Communities
Retail theft is not a victimless crime. It drives up the prices of goods, forces businesses to cut jobs, and can even result in stores closing down—leaving communities without vital services. Supporting shoplifters or buying stolen goods might seem like a good deal in the short term, but it ultimately harms everyone when businesses struggle to survive.
In the United Kingdom, retail theft costs businesses billions of pounds each year. Every day, more than 500 retail and security staff are assaulted or abused while serving their communities.
At Catch a Thief Leeds, we recognise that there are many reasons behind shoplifting, from individuals to organised gangs. However, our mission remains clear: to disrupt and deter criminal activity in retail and community environments while supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
Community Appeal
If you have any information about this suspect, please report it directly to Catch a Thief Leeds through our website, quoting Incident Number: NL2604241.
For more information about our crime prevention services and products, visit our main website, which can easily be found via Google.
Working Together to Fight Crime
With the community’s help, we can work towards reducing retail crime and protecting the businesses and services that serve us all.
Comments