Coalville county councillor Craig Smith has called for action to be taken against repeat offenders and the threat of violence at the Central Co-op in Hugglescote.

Cllr Smith met the regional loss prevention team at the store to discuss the worsening crisis of organised retail crime.

He said: "What I heard was shocking.

"Staff are being intimidated and threatened with violence on a daily basis, while businesses are left feeling helpless against a small group of repeat offenders who continue to act with impunity.

"Despite clear CCTV evidence being submitted to the police, little to no action has been taken, and the situation is only getting worse.

"These criminals are well aware of the lack of consequences.

"They use neighbouring properties as escape routes, and in some cases, they are brazenly sharing out their stolen goods on the footpaths outside the store, showing complete disregard for the law."

Cllr Smith says he is writing to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire to demand urgent action.

He added: "This problem isn't isolated to Hugglescote. It's also happening in neighbouring Whitwick and Thringstone, where the Co-op branches are facing the same relentless attacks.

"Staff have been told not to challenge the thieves due to the serious risks involved.

"For employees like Harry, who works at the Co-op, this is beyond frustrating. 'The police don't seem interested," he told me. "And when they do respond, it's often too slow, by the time they arrive, the perpetrators have already fled.'

"This cannot continue. The police must step up and do more to protect our local businesses, their staff, and customers.

"A huge thank you to Hugglescote and Donington le Heath Parish Councillor, Cllr Harry Garner, for facilitating this meeting. Together, we will keep pushing for action to make our community safer."