'It is soul destroying': Slattery issues urgent warning after being plagued by 'Sue'

"What’s most disheartening is the apparent belief among some people that it is somehow acceptable"

It's a much-loved local business, but a Greater Manchester bakery is urging others to be vigilant following a number of shoplifting incidents

Slattery, one of the area's most well-known bakeries and tearooms has issued a stark warning to fellow business owners after a shoplifter allegedly made off with over £300 in stock.

Slattery in Whitefield has been run by the same family for three generations and boasts a popular tearooms, large retail shop and bakery on Bury New Road.

Billed a "three storey emporium of treats" it is renowned for its occasion cakes and expertly crafted chocolates - as well as its own "chocolate challenge" in the tearooms.

Last week, bosses shared a post on their Instagram stories about stock being stolen in the run up to Father's Day, and the team have told the Manchester Evening News that it has been "soul destroying" for them as a small family business.

In the Instagram story shared to Slattery's Instagram account last week, they wrote: "Local Business Alert.

"Over the past 10 days alone, this prolific shoplifter (we'll call her "Sue") has stolen £300+ worth of goods from us (a lot being Father's Day stock) - mostly to be sold in local pubs.

"Despite having CCTV, tags, signs and police actively looking for her, she returned an hour ago, with her "gentlemen" friend waiting outside as usual.

"We're doing all we can without risking staff safety. Please stay alert and protect your stock - it's a hard hit none of us can afford.

"And please report to 101 is she she has paid you a visit and taken things."

Following this Laura Slattery-Vickers explained what the business is doing to try and protect itself following the incidents over the last couple of weeks.

“We reported a recent shoplifting incident to the police via 101 on Friday afternoon, and we were pleased with how quickly they responded," she explained.

"Officers called on Saturday morning and after making a statement, they informed us the individual was already known to them and that a warrant had been issued for the individual involved. Unfortunately, she returned to our premises just days later Tuesday.

"We refer to this person as a 'professional' shoplifter - she moves in and out of businesses within minutes, often with a male waiting outside, we believe in case she's is confronted.

"It’s a calculated operation, and while we are vigilant, it’s a very fine line between protecting our stock and ensuring the safety of our staff and customers.

"We were first made aware of the incident thanks to a member of the public who contacted us to say the couple were seen selling our products in a pub in Radcliffe. Once we had a description, we reviewed our footage and were able to track their movements in detail."

Laura says that it's had a big impact on the family run business. She added: "As a small, independent business, we’ve had no choice but to invest heavily in security, as we cannot afford to keep losing our stock in this way.

"We are not a large corporation who buys everything in bulk for cheap, we hand make all our products, and a lot of time, love and care goes into making them.

"It is soul destroying for the staff who have spend hours making every component for the products, not to mention the cost of ingredients that has sky rocketed over the last few years.

"We’ve installed high-tech cameras that provide clear facial identification and cover all aspects of the premises, with footage monitored constantly both in the office and via mobile devices.

"We've also recently added a new security alarm at the entrance and have tagged large amounts of stock - particularly chocolate products, which are currently at an all-time high in cost. We simply cannot afford to lose goods in this way.

"Sadly, this is not an isolated case. Just last month, we caught another individual - completely different in background - stealing for what we believe was the thrill of it. While she reimbursed us after being caught and therefore avoided prosecution, the emotional and financial toll remains.

"We were compelled to take to social media to warn other local businesses, as we knew it wouldn’t be an isolated incident, and we were contacted by many other small business owners who have also been targeted by this same woman in the area.

"It's clear that some of these individuals are repeating offenders operating across multiple locations. We have also received many messages of support plus advice on what actions the police can do such as barring orders, and we hope this is something that can be actioned and will be following this up with the police.

"What’s most disheartening is the apparent belief among some people that it is somehow acceptable - or their right - to steal.

"They don’t see the hours of work that go into running a small business. They don’t consider the impact on staff who feel shaken, the cost to replace stock, or the mental strain it adds in an already tough trading climate.

"We’re not a faceless corporation - we’re a family-run business trying to survive. Theft like this puts genuine livelihoods at risk, and we will continue to do everything we can to protect our team and our business, while working closely with the police and supporting other small businesses to stay vigilant."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were contacted for comment and have confirmed that no charges have been brought against the individual in question as of yet.