Customer Volunteers as Security Amidst Rising Shoplifting Incidents

A man has demonstrated exceptional customer loyalty by stepping in to provide security for a clothing store that has experienced multiple thefts in recent months. Metro Fashion, located on Middle Pavement in Nottingham city centre, has reported thousands of pounds worth of merchandise stolen since its opening five months ago. James Morris, 52, subsequently offered his services as the store’s security during the Christmas period, despite lacking professional experience in the field. Shop proprietors Liam Stanhope, 30, and his wife Alannah Stanhope, 26, are compensating James for his time with new clothes and intend to implement more permanent security measures in the new year. The boutique clothing establishment estimates losses of approximately £10,000 to shoplifters since it commenced operations in July. In November, a 27-year-old individual received a 19-month jail sentence for several burglaries and shop thefts across the city, including at Metro Fashion. Nevertheless, the owners remained apprehensive and began seeking assistance. It was then that regular customer James, also known as Jim, volunteered to supervise during opening hours. “I visited the shop as a customer to trade some clothing, and [the owner] told me about the thieves and how a staff member had left an incident crying,” he said. “I just thought… it’s got to stop. I’m in between jobs, so it worked for me to join them this Christmas.” His duties commenced on 11 December, involving his constant presence in the store, monitoring customers, and serving as a deterrent to potential shoplifters. James ensures that customers remove masks and keep hoods down to facilitate identification by CCTV cameras. “We don’t want to alienate anyone, but want to keep staff and customers safe,” he added. Morris’s profession is a supply chain logistics consultant, specializing in retail, and he is scheduled to begin a new position in January. He commented: “I did not see myself doing something like this in my later life.” He further stated: “The closest job I’ve had to security would be working as a party rep in Greece 30 years ago.” When questioned about his ability to manage potentially violent situations, he responded: “I’m 6ft 6in, so I hope I’ll act as a deterrent to those thinking about stealing.” He does not receive an hourly wage; instead, the owners exchange his time for new clothing items. James will continue in his role until the shop closes on Christmas Eve, with plans for more enduring security arrangements to be introduced in the new year. “I have a good friendship with Liam [Stanhope] and his family, and if you want vibrant spaces like this to succeed, you have to help out,” James said. He added: “We want these stores to survive.” Liam Stanhope remarked: “I would recommend it to other shops. Jim has grown to be a good friend of mine, and I’m very grateful.” Readers can follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.