A woman was recently fired from her job at a One Stop Shop in Bootle, Merseyside, after attempting to thwart a thief who was stealing bacon. Eileen Fox, a 56-year-old employee, had physically engaged with a “regular” shoplifter who had previously climbed over the store’s counter. The decision to terminate her employment was made on May 12 following an incident on April 27. The company cited concerns about jeopardizing business safety as the reason for her dismissal.

In response to the termination, Mrs. Fox expressed disappointment, feeling that the action taken against her was severe. She mentioned that the altercation with the shoplifter happened quickly, and she acted on impulse, noting that she had never engaged in such behavior before. She emphasized that the shoplifter was escalating their criminal actions, even breaching the counter barrier twice on the same day.

The dismissal letter from One Stop’s area manager highlighted that the company’s policy prioritizes the safety of both customers and employees. It was stated that Mrs. Fox’s actions were considered unjustified and potentially risky, indicating a concern that she might react in a similar manner in the future, leading to harm.

Following the incident, Mrs. Fox is seeking advice on her next steps. One Stop reiterated its commitment to safety, emphasizing that employees should not endanger themselves and that they receive training on handling such situations. The company also mentioned ongoing investments in security measures and collaboration with law enforcement to prevent incidents in their stores.