Police object to store's bid to sell alcohol

Police say there have been 50 reports of shoplifting in the last year at the store

Police have objected to a store's plans to sell alcohol because they fear it could lead to a rise in shoplifting.

Heron Foods wants to sell alcohol from its store in Second Avenue in the Nunsthorpe area of Grimsby.

However, Humberside Police have objected and said security would need to be deployed at the store at all time.

The store chain's application for an alcohol licence is due to be decided by North East Lincolnshire Council on Monday.

Heron Foods has three stores in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The company has applied for a licence to sell alcohol at its Nunsthorpe store from 07:00 to 21:00 Mondays to Saturdays, and 07:00 to 20:00 on Sundays.

In its submission to the council, Humberside Police said the store was one that was targeted by shoplifters and concerns had been raised by local police that this would increase with the sale of alcohol.

A recent inquiry into shoplifting by the Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee said it was at "unacceptable" levels nationally and the problem was so urgent police forces needed to take "immediate action".

The Home Office said it was making assaults on shop workers a criminal offence and deploying thousands of police officers dedicated to tackling shoplifting.

In a written submission to councillors, the store chain said: “Heron Foods are fully agreeable to a condition requiring them to risk assess the need for door supervisors, but do not, based on their experience at this store, feel that it is proportionate to have a specific door supervisor condition in respect of this particular store.”

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