The customer joining the fight against shoplifting

A man has taken customer loyalty to a new level - by stepping in to help as security for a clothing shop that has seen multiple break-ins in recent months.

Metro Fashion, in Middle Pavement in Nottingham city centre, has had items worth thousands of pounds shoplifted since opening five months ago.

James Morris, 52, has since offered to step in as the store's security over the Christmas period - despite having no professional experience.

Shop owners Liam Stanhope, 30, and his wife Alannah Stanhope, 26, trade James's time for new clothes, and plan on introducing more permanent security measures in the new year.

The boutique clothing shop estimates it has lost about £10,000 to shoplifters since opening in July.

In November, a 27-year-old man was jailed for 19 months for a number of burglaries and shop thefts in the city, including at Metro Fashion.

However, the owners were still nervous and began asking around for help.

That's when regular customer James - also known as Jim - stepped in and offered to supervise during opening hours.

"I visited the shop as a customer to trade some clothing, and [the owner] told me about the thieves and how a staff member had left an incident crying," he said.

"I just thought... it's got to stop. I'm in between jobs, so it worked for me to join them this Christmas."

He started his role on 11 December, and it involves staying in the store at all times, keeping an eye on customers and acting as a deterrent to shoplifters.

James ensures customers take masks off and keep hoods down, so CCTV cameras can identify them.

"We don't want to alienate anyone, but want to keep staff and customers safe," he added.

James's profession is supply chain logistics consultant, specialising in retail, and is starting a new role in January.

He said: "I did not see myself doing something like this in my later life.

"The closest job I've had to security would be working as a party rep in Greece 30 years ago."

When asked if he would be able to cope with potentially violent incidents, he added: "I'm 6ft 6in, so I hope I'll act as a deterrent to those thinking about stealing."

He is not paid hourly - instead, the owners trade his time for new clothes.

James will continue his role until the shop shuts on Christmas Eve, with plans for more permanent security measures in the new year.

"I have a good friendship with Liam [Stanhope] and his family, and if you want vibrant spaces like this to succeed, you have to help out," James said.

"We want these stores to survive."

Liam added: "I would recommend it to other shops. Jim has grown to be a good friend of mine, and I'm very grateful."

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