Small businesses in Derry  urged to increase security in run up Christmas

All small businesses in Derry  are being urged to increase security in the run up to Christmas to thwart robberies on their premises.  Sinn Fein Councillor Sharon Duddy advised businesses in the city not to keep large amounts on their premises to thwart would-be thieves. Councillor Duddy  said “Sadly with the introduction of the dark mornings and early dark nights in the run up to Christmas we always see small businesses in Derry being targeted by opportunist thieves and organised criminals gangs.   "It could be someone looking to get their hands on £30-40 quickly or a gang after the day’s takings or stealing high value stock to sell through their criminal networks. The effects of this could set a small business back months.   "I would urge all businesses in the city not to keep any large amounts of money on their premises and put a few extra security measures in place over the next few weeks. "It must be very upsetting for the members of staff or customers caught up in such ordeals. Cllr Duddy concluded: "I would appeal to anyone who seen anything suspicious around any business over the coming weeks to contact the police." Ends