Concrete blocks to defend Co-op from thieves

The slabs, similar to those used on construction sites, have been installed at the front of the Co-op in Wolverhampton Road, Codsall.

A spokesman said they were a 'temporary measure' to deter thieves while new security shutters were being installed at the store. It comes after it was broken into three times since February.

Duty manager Annette Wilkes said: "The first two times they took just cigarettes. They just cleaned us out. Now we put a few out at a time.

"All they were interested in was cigarettes."

Mrs Wilkes said she was aware of other break-ins at other Co-Ops, including one instance where burglars climbed in through a window.

The burglars gained entry by forcing through the shutters and making a hole in the glass.

A company spokesman said: "I can confirm it is a temporary measure while changes are made to the store's security shutters."

The blocks were spotted by Tettenhall Regis ward Councillor Jonathan Yardley.

He said: "It is an unusual method, but if it works it is a good idea against crime.

"If the current system to stop ram raiders getting in is not strong enough, it is a shame, though, that a company has to go this far. I think they are horrible and ugly though. It is a terrible indictment of society we live in today we have to take such measures to barricade themselves in.

"It is not the best looking thing to have on the High Street, though."

Councillor Yardley said he had been told retail crime is a problem in the area.

He claimed the Co-op, on Tettenhall Road, Tettenhall, had the second highest number of shop lifting in Wolverhampton.

During a recent incident at the store he said an off-duty police officer stopped a shop lifter, but in the struggle a window was smashed.

He said: "It is an issue I know the police and shop owners are working on."

The first break-in at the Codsall store took place on February 16.