Earlier this month, neighbourhood officers conducted targeted operations across Nottinghamshire as part of Safer Business Action week to help protect retail businesses against theft.
We asked hospitality establishments around Nottingham about their own experience with theft.
Esme-Gill Brown, 24, who Works at Dispatch in Hockley, recalled her personal experience with a shop lifter: “It happened to me on shift a few months ago in the summertime. A woman came in and we had a normal conversation but as I turned she ran out and took the tips.”
“But I think people are taking tips because they’re in need of something. They’re beyond the point of caring, which is sad,” she added.
“I think that they know they’ll get away with it. Independent shops and the staff of the businesses in Hockley are very friendly and I think they get taken advantage of.
“But I think people are taking tips because they’re in need of something. They’re beyond the point of caring, which is sad,” she said.
Zu Zych, 26, who also works at Dispatch, also recalled a time when someone nearly stole whilst he was on shift.
“Three boys were asking to wash their hands and then went for the tip jars as they were leaving. I have no idea why people steal, genuinely some people are just opportunistic and try to get away with stuff.”
To combat any potential thefts, Hockley Kitchen has a chain attached to its tip jar.
Ellen Jones, 25, who works full time at Hockley Kitchen, said: “I think a lot of people look at small independents and view them as an easy target, if you look at Starbucks or costa and look at bigger coffee shops, the security is better.”
She added: “It’s definitely not about the money. It’s endearing when people tip, it’s emotionally rewarding.”
Jasmine Oladokun, 23, who also works at Hockley Kitchen said: “The tip jar has been stolen before but it doesn’t happen that often. I’ve been working for two and a half years and it’s only been stolen twice.
She recalled one of the the thefts, and said: “It was two small kids, they just tipped the change into their hands.”
