Two teenagers were arrested in an incident in Shirley which saw a security guard at a popular value supermarket get sprayed with foam.
Hampshire police were called to Poundland last Saturday at around 5pm as the pair had entered the shop and refused to leave when asked.
A girl, aged 14, then sprayed the security guard with foam, and a panel on the shop door was damaged during the incident.
Police attended and arrested a 14-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy, both from Southampton.
The boy subsequently apologised for his actions and has been dealt with by way of a community resolution, and the girl has been released on bail following an interview while enquiries continue.
A spokesperson for Poundland said: “While saddened at what happened, we’re incredibly proud of how our store colleagues responded, ensuring the situation was swiftly contained and no further injuries occurred.
“We’re committed to protecting our colleagues with technology and additional support.
“That’s why we launched our ‘Enough is Enough’ campaign – helping our frontline teams take a firm stand against retail crime.”
The retailer’s push to tackle retail crime sees staff at certain stores equipped with body cameras, and the installation of cameras which are believed to provide a visual deterrent.
This has resulted in an 11 per cent decrease in violence against staff, Poundland said.
Further anti-theft innovation and communication headsets allow employees to detain suspected offenders in stores and work closely with police.
Speaking on anti-social behaviour in Shirley, a spokesperson for Hampshire police said: “Our local neighbourhood policing teams are conducting additional patrols on Shirley High Street, with a small group of young people behaving anti-socially in recent weeks. If you have any concerns, then please do speak to our teams while they are out on patrol.
“We are working hard to take any steps available to us, as well as working closely with partner agencies, to tackle this behaviour.”
Poundland was sold to former Laura Ashley owners Gordon Brothers, an American firm, for just £1 yesterday.
Former owners Pepco confirmed it had sold the brand for a “nominal” sum.
Source – The Echo
