Police have opposed a shop’s plans to sell alcohol as they fear it could lead to an increase in shoplifting.

Heron Foods wants to sell alcohol from its Second Avenue store in the Nunsthorpe area of ​​Grimsby.

However, Humberside Police objected and said security should be in place in the store at all times.

The chain’s application for a liquor license is due to be decided by North East Lincolnshire Council on Monday.

Heron Foods has three stores in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, respectively Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The company applied for a license to sell alcohol at its Nunsthorpe store between 07:00 and 21:00 Monday to Saturday and 07:00 and 20:00 on Sundays.

In its submission to the council, Humberside Police said the store had been targeted by shoplifters and that local police were concerned this would increase with the sale of alcohol.

A recent inquiry into shoplifting by the Justice and Home Affairs Commission said it was at “unacceptable” levels nationally and that the problem was so urgent that police forces needed to take “immediate action”.

The Home Office said it was making assaults on shop workers a criminal offense and was deploying thousands of police officers dedicated to tackling shoplifting.

In a written submission to councillors, the supermarket chain said: “Heron Foods fully agrees with a condition requiring them to assess the risk of the need for door supervisors, but does not believe, based on their experience at this store, that is proportionate to have a specific condition of door supervision in respect of this particular shop.”

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