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Vaping store’s security plea
The manager of a vaping store which was robbed on two successive nights is appealing to Stirling Council to support city centre businesses who want to install additional security measures.
Graham MacDonald of Prime Vapour in Port Street says more than £4000 worth of stock was hit when the store was broken into twice overnight between October 25-27.
“It was bad enough once, but to have happened two nights in a row was devastating,” said Mr MacDonald.
“We turn over about £3000 a week, so to lose that kind of stock was very tough. My boss even said if it happened a third time, we would have to think seriously about whether or not to stay open, which would be a really hard decision.
“We also had windows smashed and insurance only covers so much.”
Because of concerns over the security of his premises, Mr MacDonald contacted the council’s planning department to ask about the possibility of getting planning permission for roller security shutters at the front of the shop.
He said he was told that because of listed-building restrictions, he was unlikely to receive approval.
“They won’t seem to budge at all even under the circumstances,” added Mr MacDonald.
“These shutters would only be down when the shop is closed and at least it would help stop something like this happening again and keep us open.”
Other city centre vaping stores have also been hit. Vapourz on King Street was broken into on Thursday of last week with around £1500 worth of stock taken. A man has been arrested and appeared in court on Monday morning in connection with the thefts.
“The police have been exceptionally helpful,” said Graham, “but the council aren’t helping at all at this stage. The city centre can’t afford to lose businesses and if traders feel they are not getting support when things like this happen they could feel they have no choice but to shut up shop.”
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “Our Safer Communities team are aware of the break-ins within the city centre and can confirm an individual has been identified and further action is being taken. The team are working closely with Police Scotland and local businesses on improving the safety of the area and additional patrols will be undertaken by the team within the city centre.”
Stirling Council’s Public Safety Convenor Martin Earl said: “Obviously businesses need to be able to install appropriate security measures and any application for security shutters would be addressed through the planning process and assessed on an individual basis. Should any such application be recommended for refusal it can be referred to the Planning Panel where Councillors will make the final decision.”
George Sneddon Russell, 52, of St Ninians, appeared in court this week charged with theft by housebreaking. He made no plea or declaration and
was released on bail.