Security measures proposed to deter cigarette thefts in local stores

Leicestershire Police is urging local retailers to be vigilant and follow recommended security advice after an increase in cigarette kiosk break-ins across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

With the rise in the number of convenience stores being broken into, the force is offering important security information and advice to retailers as a way of protecting themselves and combatting the number of burglaries that take place.

The advice, given by the counties’ Crime Prevention Coordinator, urges retailers to consider installing smoke emitting devices to cover their cigarette kiosks. The devices work by filling a room with smoke to disorientate criminals, making it harder to see what they intend to steal.

In addition, retailers have also been advised to fit monitored intruder alarms, consider fitting CCTV systems and internal metal roller shutters, and to remove stock from cigarette kiosks in the evenings before closing.

Detective Inspector Helen Fletcher said: “I would like to ask owners and managers of convenience stores within the Leicestershire area to review the security measures they currently have in place.

“If anyone has any information, we urge them to either contact the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Other advice relating to all aspects of business security, premises and staff can be found on the force website. Follow the Advice and Information section, then Crime Prevention followed by Business Crime.