From friendly corner shops to fear on the High Street: We must stop the thieves

Read the latest from Pete Price07:00, 06 Aug 2026Once upon a time, England’s small independent shops were the true lifeblood of local communities.‌They meant so much to their customers - not just as places to buy groceries, but as hubs for human connection, conversation, and a sense of shared belonging. They gave people a genuine reason to step outside and connect.‌My mum ran a chandler's shop in West Kirby, just over the bridge. Alongside us was a dairy, a butcher, a pet shop, a greengrocer, a tobacconist, and a chippy.‌This little block of shops was the absolute pillar of our community. There was real trust back then: a handshake, goods bought on credit ("on tick"), and a mutual loyalty on both sides of the counter.Shoplifting was rare, and on the off chance it happened, it caused a gent