As most of you are aware, Anti-Social Behaviour is a major issue in some parts of Sandwell.
Last week, I met with the local neighbourhood policing team at Wednesbury Police station and staff from Hill Top and Tividale Co-operative to see how the ASB happening in these areas are affecting their stores and colleagues.
This year, the Co-Operative stores across the UK, reported 17,000 crimes which included issues, shoplifting and violence.
The Co-Operative store in Hill Top alone, reported over 158 incidents internally, which is simply unacceptable.
Many of us have a co-op stores located in walking distance from our homes and this accessibility is vital for many people unable to travel to one of our three towns for essentials. Therefore, I feel it is really important to keep these stores open whilst maintain a safe environment for both shoppers and store colleges.
I will continue to work with the communities of Tividale and Hill Top as well as the police and the Co-operative to ensure we create such an environment.
