People in Renfrewshire are being urged to help protect local businesses as part of a new campaign to stop criminals targeting commercial outlets during the pandemic.
PAISLEY DAILY EXPRESS: Live news as it happens
With the lockdown slowly easing whilst the pandemic is still active, Crimestoppers Scotland is using the opportunity to connect with communities and companies by appealing for people to report anonymously what they know about crime against businesses in their area.
As local shops and businesses try to cope with the devastating financial impact of the pandemic, the last costly disruption they need is having premises ransacked, with essential items or equipment damaged or stolen.
The launch of the campaign comes after a Paisley shop, pictured, was raided and £4,000 worth of goods swiped after callous crooks smashed their way in through the ceiling.
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Police are currently hunting those responsible for the incident at U-Save on Well Street, which took place on Sunday, May 24.
It’s not just break-ins that affects businesses.
Fly-tipping and fire-raising can seriously impact a company’s ability to reopen.
For some, it could be the final straw.
Crimestoppers have launched the #ClosedtoCrime campaign, which aims to raise awareness and drive people to report what they know about crime against local businesses, from shops to company premises, factories to
warehouses.
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They play a crucial role in the fabric of society – indeed, many staff in these businesses are now classed as key workers providing essential services.
Rodger Holden, director of business development at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Local businesses play an essential role in providing services and employment to the local and wider community.
“But as shops, warehouses and factories are closed or struggling to return to normal with reduced opening hours due to the pandemic, criminals are exploiting the crisis by breaking in to commercial
premises.
“Fire-raising attacks and fly-tipping are also incredibly harmful as the company has to incur significant costs.
“This could affect their future stability even further.
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“You can help keep shops and local industry open for business but #ClosedtoCrime.
“Please keep your eyes and ears open, and if you see or hear anything, or know someone involved in commercial burglary, arson or fly-tipping, please speak up.
“People’s jobs and local services depend on it.
“If you know something, please contact our charity and tell us what you know whilst staying 100 per cent anonymous. Always.”
Information received by Crimestoppers has helped stop planned break-ins, made communities safer and brought people to justice.
All those with information about a crime can contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
You can call its 24/7 UK contact centre on freephone 0800 555 111. Alternatively, its simple and secure anonymous online form is available at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org.
