Doncaster business owner admits shoplifters often 'attack' & 'spit' at his staff
Raja Hussain runs two shops inside Frenchgate shopping centre & another three on Baxter Gate
We're hearing a number of independent businesses in Doncaster are thinking about 'chipping in together' - to hire their own security - in an effort to crack down on shoplifting in the city centre.
Last year - Doncaster had the highest rate for shoplifting offences in South Yorkshire - with over 1,500 offences taking place there in 2024.
Raja Hussain owns five shops in Doncaster city centre:
"My staff have been attacked and spat at.
"Some of my staff refuse to work down on Baxter Gate because they feel threatened.
"I've been in this town now for 7 or 8 years, and I've seen in this place going more and more downhill.
"You end up getting robbed, then the shoplifters come back and laugh at you and try to do it again.
"I've been attacked myself recently.
"A lady tried punching me in my face about 100 times - but I blocked every single punch.
"You know it's coming to a stage now where the independent shops in Doncaster are willing to put in £40 or £50 a week each to hire our own security guards.
"There is no police response here - nobody does anything.
"I think I'm losing about 10% in profits every week."
Sally Jameson is the Labour MP for Doncaster Central:
"I visited one of my local Co-op stores in Doncaster Central, and they were telling me about the problems they've been having with shoplifting and the measures they've had to put in place to protect their staff.
"That really spurred me on to mention this issue in Parliament.
"We're bringing forward legislation in the police & crime bill this week that will really see us get tough on this type of criminal activity - which blights our high streets."
Doncaster Central NPT Inspector Lisa Bird said:
“In Doncaster we are dedicated in our approach to tackle retail crime and ensure that those committing these offences are brought to justice.
“Shoplifting has no place in our society. The notion that it is a victimless crime couldn’t be further from the truth. Retail staff shouldn’t have to go to work with the fear of being attacked.
“We have a dedicated retail crime team that works hard day in, day out to collect crucial evidence and record patterns of offending for known shoplifters in the city.
“We will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to ensure we are taking the necessary steps to reduce retail crime in Doncaster, and South Yorkshire.”