Gang targets corner shops
A gang of Eastern European thieves are targeting Black Country corner shops, escaping with thousands of pounds worth of cash and goods. A gang of Eastern European thieves are targeting Black Country corner shops, escaping with thousands of pounds worth of cash and goods. Up to seven men and women enter shops, a couple keeping staff occupied while the others storm storerooms, living quarters and cash tills. Stolen goods are stuffed up the women's long dresses before the gang escapes. Shops in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Wednesbury, West Bromwich and Dudley borough have been hit. Police today warned shop bosses to be on their guard against groups entering in large numbers. A woman who runs a business in Bilston Road, Ettingshall, Wolverhampton, said she was targeted at least twice but both times saw the crooks off. "I had been warned about it by a friend of mine who had things stolen by a similar gang," she said. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Up to seven men and women enter shops, a couple keeping staff occupied while the others storm storerooms, living quarters and cash tills.
Stolen goods are stuffed up the women's long dresses before the gang escapes. Shops in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Wednesbury, West Bromwich and Dudley borough have been hit. Police today warned shop bosses to be on their guard against groups entering in large numbers.
A woman who runs a business in Bilston Road, Ettingshall, Wolverhampton, said she was targeted at least twice but both times saw the crooks off. "I had been warned about it by a friend of mine who had things stolen by a similar gang," she said.
"They come in, women all dressed up in big dresses so they can easily hide things, and a group of men.
"On one occasion one of the men asked me a question but I saw his friend moving some boxes away from the door that leads into the back. I asked them to leave immediately but I want to warn other shopkeepers that this group is operating in the area."
Det Con Gerry Wintrip, of West Midlands Police intelligence unit, said managers should ensure staff are trained to not fall for distractions. "It is also important to have a policy in place so that staff are aware and know what to do if they suspect thieves may be in the shop," he added.
West Midlands Police said shopkeepers should make sure only staff could access non-public parts of the store, and try not to keep large sums of money on the premises.
They also advise locks should be installed on doors of staff areas and CCTV fitted where possible. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 113 5000.
