Following several nights of riots in the UK's towns and cities, the Association Of Convenience Stores (ACS) has urged retailers to make safety a priority.
Mass vandalism and looting of shops has been a frightening and distressing experience for many retail business owners and their staff.
The ACS has advised that if there is any doubt at all about safety in their area, they should close up and use shutters wherever possible.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: "The images of local community stores being looted and destroyed by violent criminals are sickening.
"Retailers need to keep in contact with each other and local people to get the earliest warning of any impending problems.
"People are more important than property. Retailers’ first concern must be to protect themselves and their staff."
The ACS has joined police and many other organisations in urging retailers and members of the general public to call Crimestoppers with any information that they think may be useful. Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111.
