Refine and Design in Yeovil faces frequent shoplifting. The owner reports rising concerns and financial impact.
Samantha Baker owns the store and feels the issue got worse. Shoplifting occurred six times recently, happening in the past four months.
Samantha told reporters about the problem. She said shoplifting is more frequent now and worse than it used to be.
On November 11, 2024, a woman stole items. She returned on December 12, 2024, and tried to steal things again. Shoppers and staff stopped her this time.
Samantha called the police each time, and they gave her a police reference number.
Another theft happened on February 18 when Samantha said a man stole a silver ring.
On February 22, two women stole candles, but they were stopped outside the shop.
On February 25, a woman put a candle in her bag. Samantha stopped her that morning and asked the woman to return it.
Samantha feels scared to confront people, but also feels like she has no choice.
Samantha said over £300 was stolen from 2024 to 2025. This stolen stock affects her small business, because restocking stolen items costs money.
She feels unsafe because of the thefts and she feels quite disappointed by this.
Samantha is often alone in the shop. She will not confront male thieves and feels forced to let them steal. Building the business was hard work and shoplifting is very disheartening.
Police are investigating three theft reports from a shop on Vicarage Walk. The thefts occurred between November and February, and they are reviewing CCTV footage now.