High Street Title Under Scrutiny: Cardiff Shopkeeper’s £25K Theft Sparks Concern

Geraint, the owner of Queen Street Vapes in Cardiff, has expressed disappointment with the recent accolade given to his location, which was named Britain’s best high street. Geraint’s frustration stems from a significant theft where £25,000 worth of stock was stolen from his shop, marking the fourth attempted break-in he has experienced.

Cardiff’s Queen Street earned the top spot in a consumer survey conducted by GlobalData for American Express. However, the title seems incongruous to Geraint given the persistent security issues he faces. He revealed that despite having no CCTV or alarm system, these measures have proven ineffective in deterring criminals. The repeated thefts have pushed him to the brink, leading him to contemplate closing his business. The stress and sleep disruptions caused by the ongoing thefts are taking a toll on him.

Geraint, who also operates shops in Swindon, Cwmbran, and Abergavenny, said that his experience in Cardiff has been particularly challenging, and his dissatisfaction with the city’s safety reflects his broader concerns. He shared a video on social media showing three individuals stealing vapes from his shop, highlighting the severity of the issue.

South Wales Police have taken action in response to the thefts, with one 37-year-old man pleading guilty to burglary. However, the other two suspects remain unidentified. The police have committed to making Cardiff a “vibrant, safe, and friendly” place, but the recent events have cast a shadow over their efforts.

The problem of theft is not isolated to Queen Street Vapes. Nearby businesses on Queen Street also report frequent theft and harassment from shoplifters. At Savers, staff deal with daily incidents of theft, including a recent case where £118 worth of baby milk was stolen. Ethan James Barnes, who has worked at Savers for two years, noted that these petty thefts often result in minimal police intervention due to their low monetary value. He also recounted an instance where police only intervened after he was physically assaulted by a shoplifter.

Rhys Thomas, who works at Holland and Barrett, another store on Queen Street, has observed a troubling trend of violence. Since he began working there over a year ago, staff have been required to wear body cameras due to increasing aggression from repeat offenders. Despite police involvement, these individuals continue their criminal activities, undermining the sense of security for workers.

In response to these concerns, South Wales Police have acknowledged the positive aspects of Queen Street’s recent accolade but also expressed regret over the negative experiences reported by local workers. They emphasized that Cardiff remains a generally safe place despite the challenges posed by a high volume of foot traffic and occasional incidents of crime and anti-social behavior.

While the title of Britain’s best high street may highlight Queen Street’s appeal, the experiences of shopkeepers and staff reveal significant issues that need addressing. The contrast between the high street’s esteemed status and the day-to-day struggles of those who work there underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety and security in a busy urban environment.