'Brazen shoplifting' forces butcher to shut down

Carl Hayes said shoplifting at his Liverpool shop was "the worst it had ever been"

A butcher has said the level of shoplifting at his business was one of the reasons for closing down.

Westcott Factory Meats in Liverpool also said the increasing cost of business rates, national insurance and electricity had played a part in the decision.

Its owner and director, Carl Hayes, said thieves had been "brazenly" stealing products, including legs of lamb and steaks, on a weekly basis.

Mr Hayes, who has been in the meat and butchery business for over 30 years, said the level of crime was "now the worst it's ever been".

Westcott Factory Meat Shop started as a market stall in 2012

Mr Hayes said: "We had one the other week where a guy took a big bag of legs of lamb. It was a Saturday morning, we were busy, loads going on, but he just walked out.

"We used to have a security guard a couple of days a week, but again, that comes at a cost that you've got to put into the business.

"But it's worse now. In the last six, nine months, it's the worst it's ever been."

The business started as a stall at Stanley Meat Market in Old Swan in 2012 before moving to its current premises on Smithdown Road in 2017.

It closed its doors for the last time on 8 October and had to lay off 12 members of staff.

"We're just one of thousands of businesses that are suffering in the same way," he said.

In a post on Facebook, a business representative, who also cited the rise of meat prices as an issue, said it was "with deep regret" the shop was closing after eight "fabulous years".