Stores looted in London riots
A number of prominent retailers were victims of looting at some of their London stores over the weekend following riots in Tottenham, Enfield and Brixton.
A peaceful demonstration in Tottenham led by the family of Mark Duggan, who was allegedly shot by police officers last week, sparked off the violence at the weekend which led to stores being set on fire or having their windows smashed.
Retailers affected by the looting included HMV, Halfords, JD Sports, Footlocker and Currys. Video footage broadcast on news channels over the weekend showed looters carrying goods in broad daylight out of the JD Sports store in Tottenham Retail Park on Saturday.
The British Retail Consortium condemned the rioting, saying community difficulties will not be helped by torching shops.
Director General of the British Retail Consortium, Stephen Robertson, said: “I deplore the violence and property damage inflicted by these criminal actions. I have the greatest sympathy for those who’ve lost businesses, staff whose jobs are now in jeopardy and customers now without local services.
“There may be genuine economic or community relations grievances in these areas but they will not be helped by torching shops.
“Retail is at the heart of thriving communities. Clearly, with high streets under pressure anyway, at least some of the businesses destroyed will not be able to re-establish themselves, causing long-term damage.
“And, at a time when some of London’s most deprived areas are looking forward to a substantial spending boost from visitors to next year’s Olympics, this sends an appalling message to would-be tourists around the world.”
The Retail Trust has urged any retailers or their staff affected by the riots to call the Retail Trust Helpline 0808 801 0808.
