West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has offered her support to a campaign which is aiming to raise the problems caused by crime in local stores. Harriett visited the Cooperative store in Barnards Green to talk to staff about how they have been impacted by crime in the local area. The retail group is meeting with MPs to talk about the national issues faced by shop-workers on a daily basis. Harriett was briefed on some of the challenges that local staff face and how they deal with issues like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The MP met with West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion two years ago to discuss the impact of serious organised crime, which was behind the cashpoint theft at Barnards Green Post Office. And following her discussion with Cooperative staff, Harriett has agreed to work on behalf of local retailers to raise specific concerns about crime with local police and John Campion. Harriett commented: “I had a really useful chat with the local team at the Cooperative and got some detailed insights into some of the problems they face on a day-to-day basis. “I have agreed to act on their behalf and I plan to gather retailers together later in the year to get some feedback to pass directly to the Police and Crime Commissioner. “Of course, much of the behaviour is low level and rarely comes to the attention of the police but the job of a retail worker is difficult enough without the threats of anti-social or criminal behaviour. “I hope that we can have some constructive dialogue with the police and other bodies to make sure that Barnards Green and the wider area is a great and safe place to work and shop.” Photo: Outside the Cooperative store in Barnards Green (l-r) Ian Hindle, Matt Pratley. Kerry Preedy, Harriett Baldwin MP and Jon Bottomley.