Normal Service Resumes At Tesco Stores After Security Alert

Mon, 16 Jul 2007
 
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Tesco re-opened 14 of its stores across the UK yesterday after a mystery security scare had brought trading to a halt.

The supermarket stores were closed for several hours over the weekend in what some reports said was a bomb scare .

Initial reports stated that the motive could range from a financial threat to threats made by animal rights campaigners, who on Saturday were protesting against Tesco, claiming the store has been selling live turtles at branches in China .

Police declined to comment on the nature of the threat, but commented: "Each of the stores involved has been searched and given the all-clear and the company continues to work closely with the constabulary."

"The public are asked to remain vigilant at all times. There is still no reason to believe that the incidents are linked to extremism of any kind."

Tesco, Britain’s largest supermarket retailer with 2,000 UK stores, said customers were directed to pay for their goods at checkouts before leaving, instead of being made to evacuate immediately.

Some of the shops had reopened by mid-evening on Saturday, with the remainder returning to normality yesterday morning. Police also closed car parks, adjoining shops and access roads in some areas.

Tesco said the scare had not involved food contamination, as this would have involved products being recalled.

A Tesco statement read: "Staff at the affected stores have done a fantastic job during this period and have worked very hard to make sure the stores are fully stocked and ready to welcome customers as usual today. The police are conducting a criminal investigation and Tesco cannot comment further."

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