Retailers are today counting the cost of a wave of looting, vandalism and violence that spread across London for a third day on Monday. Stores are also upping security as the danger of further looting and even arson remains high. WGSN reporters have seen groups of local shopkeepers standing guard outside stores armed with baseball bats.
Riots hit retailers across the UK's capital in the worst mob violence seen there since the 1980s. Despite thousands of extra police officers being deployed, they seemed powerless to prevent the escalating vandalism and buildings were in flames in London suburbs to the south of the capital where youths attacked retail parks and shops. The 144-year-old Reeves furniture store in Croydon was desotoyed by arsonists. Meanwhile, gangs of looters also roamed the streets of Hackney in the east. Full report here.
