Paige Mengers, owner of the upscale Phoenix Style boutique in Cobham, Surrey, had a growing fear that her designer store would soon become the target of criminals.

With high-value second-hand handbags like Chanel and Hermes selling for thousands, the crime wave targeting such stores left her on edge.

Unfortunately, her suspicions came true when, in just 24 hours, two robbers targeted both of her stores.

Fortifying the Boutique and Growing Concerns

Last year, Mengers took measures to protect her business.

She installed the latest CCTV and anti-theft devices, including security cables for the expensive bags.

With a private security firm guiding her staff on crime prevention, Mengers thought she had done everything to safeguard her stores.

Yet, despite her efforts, the thieves managed to break into her shops, cutting through cables and walking away with bags worth over £17,000.

Shocking Police Response to Clear Evidence

In both instances, staff members immediately called the police, but the response was far from what Mengers expected.

The robbers’ faces were clearly visible in CCTV footage, along with fingerprint evidence and a photograph of their getaway car.

Yet, when Mengers tried to report the theft, Surrey Police and the Metropolitan Police seemed uninterested.

According to Mengers, the authorities dismissed the case as shoplifting, not robbery.

Even after providing all the necessary evidence, the police failed to investigate properly.

Public Outcry and Social Media Activism

Frustrated by the lack of action, Mengers posted a video on Instagram, urging the public to help catch the criminals.

The video, which addressed the failure of the police to take her case seriously, quickly went viral.

Only after the public outcry did officers finally visit her two days later.

They admitted that their response was due to the noise Mengers made on social media, leaving her astonished by the situation.

The Erosion of Trust in Law Enforcement

For Mengers, this experience highlighted the growing sense of mistrust between the public and the police.

She felt that private security was more reliable than the police, who had failed to act despite having clear evidence.

Many store owners across Britain likely share her concerns about the increasing crime and lack of police response.

Mengers voiced her anger at the police and expressed worry that unless someone is seriously hurt, the authorities may never address this issue properly.

Impact on Staff and the Community

The trauma from the robbery had a lasting effect on Mengers’ employees, with one sales assistant quitting due to the emotional toll.

The crime shook the local community, with Cobham being known for its affluence and connection to celebrities and footballers.

Despite the small-town atmosphere, the robbers showed no hesitation in striking at a high-end boutique in broad daylight.

A Continuing Battle for Justice

While the investigation is ongoing, Mengers’ case stands as a glaring example of how shoplifting and robberies, especially in areas like Surrey, are not being taken seriously by law enforcement.

With more businesses being targeted and little action from the police, Mengers fears that this will continue to escalate until a more drastic event occurs.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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