Page 33 - link magazine

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com The Link Magazine • August 2000 33
Summer security to be tightened at shopping centre
The holidays season is upon us and it's one of the times in the year when shoplifting increases. Although W LLS
the problem prevails count rywide, and Swindon is not different to other towns where opportunists and
organised gangs see easy pickings, security staff at the West Swindon Centre are taking steps to keep it Professionally drawn by
under control.
The centre is the only one of its they go for and the peak time THE ANDREWS
kind in the town, with many retail seems to be around 6pm. PARTNERSHIP
units under one roof. The head of "We stop at least one a day; a
security at Asda says a few people few of them are violent and will A professionally prepared
believe the store is an easy target try to fight their way out, so we
will can avoid delay and
where they can sneak the odd item have to use minimum restraint
off the shelf without being noticed. until the police arrive." distress for your family
But CCTV cameras can view any Most of the thieves are local, but Home visit service:
area of the store whilst the number there are gangs who travel around Single £49.95
positioned outside the centre goes the country making a living from Double £69.95
well into double figures. All im- their criminal activities. Asda
ages are recorded and kept so that stores share intelligence when a Tel: (01793) 642245
anyone acting suspiciously can be wave of shoplifting is detected and
identified. the West Swindon Centre security
He explained, "we can instantly team exchange information with
print out photos of suspects who stores in the town centre so that
we believe or know to have stolen shoplifters can be identified at dif- BEVIRS
from us. These can be used to ferent sites.
ensure they do not re-enter our Anyone suspected of commit-
store or are handed over to police ting a crime is banned from the SOLICITORS
as evidence." One that tried to get away. West centre and Asda's policy is to pros-
All the big supermarkets know Swindon Centre manager Julian ecute shoplifters. for Independent
they lose stock to shoplifting and Leggatt apprehends an unfit shop- Financial Advice
the cost is passed onto the cus- lifter, recovering from the chase See us first for impartial guidance
tomer. The centre is patrolled by a Ann Summers on investment and money matters
team of security staff who are ready give back what he had taken with- Ladies for an evening of fun
to chase thieves as they leave the out paying. "We get every kind of and shopping, gather your Offices in Swindon, Wootton
centre and generally to keep order reason, from children saying their friends for a party Bassett and Caine
amongst people causing a nuisance mates dared them to take some- Excellent hostess benefits Contact Jeremy Angell
to other customers. thing to adults saying they need to Plus a further £5 off with this adve rt on 01249 814536
One of the team said shoplifters feed the kids, but we suspect they To book call Trade on
range in age from 12 to a recent need to feed their habits. Drink, 07790 716581 Authorised by the Law Society to
All areas covered conduct investment business
case of a 78 year old being asked to TVs, videos and clothing are what

V ASDA Superstore
V MARTINS Newsagents
V DIXONS Electrical Retailers
MMILY7 V MOTORSAVE Motor Accessories
Curtains & Bedding
V ROSEBY'S
q
s^^oP ^J]Nj Wj1j ^^ V OS Familywear
V THOMAS COOK
Travel Agents
V COOPERS
Chemists
V CLARKS
9J Smilik '1, V MR. MINIT Shoes
FACTORY SHOP
Shoe repairs/Key cutting
V BLOCKBUSTERS Video hire
V THE CLOTHING & Sports clothing
BAGGAGE FACTORY and Travel Goods
At the West Swindon Shopping Centre shopping V BARRATTS SHOES Shoe Shop
can be fun for all the family because you can visit all V JOHNSONS Dry Cleaners
3 TAYLORS Estate Agents
your favourite shops in an all-weather, relaxing
3 NAT WEST BANK
atmosphere. Take advantage of our children's
3 HK97 Chinese Take-away
creche, places to eat, low priced petrol and free and 3 DOMINO'S PIZZA
secure parking - all on one level. 3 HOLMES Opticians
V PARTNERS Hairdressing Salon
V VIDEO SOLENT
V LADBROKES Turf Accountants
L* V TRAWLERMAN Fish & Chips Takeaway
V HARVESTER PUB
V HALIFAX
3 DENTAL PRACTICE Building Society
WEST SWINDON SHOPPING CENTRE
V RED BALLOON Restaurant
Tewkesbury Way, Swindon V FINDERS KEEPERS Accommodation
www.westswindonshopping.co.uk