Each store across the UK has been advised to lock up their business ahead of time over fears of more riots and violence after the prevailing incidents of vandalism, arson, and looting. Shopkeepers are now getting jittery. The authorities and business groups have warned of taking necessary precautions for safety with the unrest continuing from the past week.

Over the past few days a number of cities across the UK have reported acts of vandalism, arson, and looting. In light of this, shops in towns and cities where far-right demonstrations are expected to take place have been advised to shut up shop early. However the ACS, which represents some 50,000 small retailers, has only asked its members to exercise caution.

Chief Executive of the ACS James Lowman told Sky News shopkeepers are deeply concerned about the possibility of more disorder. “Shopkeepers are very, very concerned about the possibility of more disorder,” he said. His advice follows reports in Sky News of more than 100 gatherings set to take place and potentially lead to further violence.

Rioters have also attacked shops and hotels that house asylum seekers. Among some of the incidents seen to have occurred across the country are that Greggs and Lush stores were raided in Hull, with a Sainsbury’s Local targeted in Manchester.

Emergency talks were held overnight on safety measures between the British Retail Consortium, police chiefs, and government representatives in a move to ensure protection for businesses and the public. Further talks are planned if the unrest continues.

“They were in a little bit of a bind, you know; they don’t know whether to close early. Because some of the information that the police had was that a lot of groups that had gatherings planned actually didn’t carry out those plans the night before. Previous things had been random, as well. So, there’s also the online misinformation, rumors, and all that kind of stuff. It’s really difficult for retailers to make that decision,” Lowman added. He urged retailers to “err on the side of caution” to assure safety for themselves and in-store employees.

He also indicated that fortunately incidents of assaults on people have been very few in number, nor convenience store arsons. But he called this “pure luck of the draw.”

Other recent incidents include a violent protest against immigration in Middlesbrough when a car was set on fire close to businesses. In Rotherham, rioters smashed windows and fires were started at a Holiday Inn Express. At least 10 police officers have been injured, one of them having been knocked unconscious. South Yorkshire Police confirmed one arrest and warned the others involved should “expect us to be at their doors very soon.”.

The ACS estimates almost half of the UK’s convenience store owners come from an Asian or British Asian background. Lowman told Sky News that the riots had strong racial undertones, saying: “For those people in particular, the undercurrent of racism that they’ve probably had to live with throughout their lives, this really brings that to the surface.” He said that people are worth more than property and called for calm to ensure shop workers and customers are not put in danger.

These represent very hard decisions by retailers in the face of such events. Misinformation that has gone viral online makes them even harder to find out whether a real threat or hoax, says Lowman. He cautioned, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Closing early helps prevent stores from being targets.

The riot breakout is having its ill effects throughout the country, where shopkeepers are reported to become worried regarding their business and safety. The ACS and the BRC plan to work very closely with the police and the government on devising strategies to better protect retailers and public. These include more security and communication measures to keep everybody informed and safe.

It sits on top of the day-to-day business challenges, set against rising house prices and an airline having an environmental ad banned. Amid these strains, the theme sounds more like one of ensuring safety while trying to minimize the effect of riots.

With this latest unrest, shopkeepers are therefore on the spot. Safeguarding their stores and surrounding communities can be done by closing early and following safety advice. The cooperation among the ACS, BRC, and authorities is very important in order to sort out the situation and get on with helping retailers. According to Lowman, “It’s about making sure people are safe and not caught up in any of these incidents.” This basically means that the well-being of everyone involved should be ensured and safety put first.