Editorial: Dob in the Christmas thieves

December is the busiest month of the year for retailers. Photo/Thinkstock.

December would have to be the busiest shopping month of the year.

As foot traffic increases in our shopping areas, retail assistants and shop owners get more and more stressed and who can blame them?

I've seen customers treat retailers with absolutely no respect.

However, rude customers are not what retailers have to worry about the most at this time of the year.

Their biggest worry is people who take advantage of busy shops and distracted retailers.

Shoplifters are out in force and they are taking orders.

Gangs of professional shoplifters target high-end goods for their "customers".

How disgraceful. The people ordering those stolen goods are worse than the thieves.

If there was no demand, there would be no crime.

What you and I need to do is be vigilant when we are out shopping.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously, tell someone. You don't need to make a big song and dance about it, just have a quiet word.

After all, we end up carrying the bill as prices increase to cover costs.

Hastings retailers do have a texting tree and send each other messages when they are targeted. However, I'm sure they would be grateful for any help they can get.

Hastings also has the added bonus of the City Ambassadors this year. Those extra eyes will undoubtedly help stem the flow of shoplifting this year.

So spare a thought for our retailers when you rush out to do your last-minute Christmas shopping.

Give them a smile and a thank you - and watch their backs.