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A butcher has said the level of shoplifting at his business was one of the reasons for closing down.

Westcott Factory Meats in Liverpool also said the increasing cost of business rates, national insurance and electricity had played a part in the decision.

Its owner and director, Carl Hayes, said thieves had been “brazenly” stealing products, including legs of lamb and steaks, on a weekly basis.

Mr Hayes, who has been in the meat and butchery business for over 30 years, said the level of crime was “now the worst it’s ever been”.

Mr Hayes said: “We had one the other week where a guy took a big bag of legs of lamb. It was a Saturday morning, we were busy, loads going on, but he just walked out.

“We used to have a security guard a couple of days a week, but again, that comes at a cost that you’ve got to put into the business.

“But it’s worse now. In the last six, nine months, it’s the worst it’s ever been.”

The business started as a stall at Stanley Meat Market in Old Swan in 2012 before moving to its current premises on Smithdown Road in 2017.

It closed its doors for the last time on 8 October and had to lay off 12 members of staff.

“We’re just one of thousands of businesses that are suffering in the same way,” he said.

In a post on Facebook, a business representative, who also cited the rise of meat prices as an issue, said it was “with deep regret” the shop was closing after eight “fabulous years”.

Yara International ASA third quarter 2025 results will be published on Friday, 17 October 2025 at 08:00 CEST.

You can follow the third-quarter results presentation online at 12:00 CEST. The presentation will be held in English.

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Contact
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About Yara

Yara’s mission is to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. We pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth through reducing emissions from crop nutrition production and developing low-emission energy solutions. Yara’s ambition is focused on growing a nature-positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain.

To drive the green shift in fertilizer production, shipping, and other energy intensive industries, Yara will produce ammonia with significantly lower emissions. We provide digital tools for precision farming and work closely with partners at all levels of the food value chain to share knowledge and promote more efficient and sustainable solutions.

Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industry’s only global crop nutrition company. With 17,000 employees and operations in more than 60 countries, sustainability is an integral part of our business model. In 2024, Yara reported revenues of USD 13.9 billion.

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