08-08-2025
Shopkeeper WARNED by police for putting up sign calling thieves ‘scumbags'
A SHOPKEEPER was warned by police — for putting up a sign calling thieves 'scumbags'.
Rob Davies put up notices to tell customers some cabinets would be locked following a string of thefts.
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They read: 'Due to scumbags shoplifting, please ask for assistance to open cabinets.'
But officers turned up to his retro clothing shop, Run Ragged in Wrexham, after a complaint.
Rob, 61, said the officers warned his signs could be seen 'as provocative and offensive'.
But he hit back: 'The only people it should be causing offence to are the shoplifters.'
Rob says he has lost about £200 of stock to thieves, adding to his struggles with rising rates, electricity bills and other costs.
On one occasion, police caught a thief but, after making him return a stolen shirt, simply sent him on his way.
He added: 'One person whinges about a sign and the police turn up. I have a legitimate reason to complain to the police due to thieving, they don't turn up.
'I just wonder if that person who complained was a shoplifter who was offended as it was detrimental to their work?'
Rob, who has run the shop for five years, added: 'This is my livelihood. When people are stealing your safety net, what are you supposed to do?'
Rob is refusing to bow to police demands to reword the signs. And he has received support, with one fellow shopkeeper adding another, reading: 'If you find anything offensive here please let us know so we can have a good laugh.'
Rob said: 'It means a lot, and restored my faith that there is that sense of community.'
