Exec at Marks & Spencer warns surge in crime as Oxford Street ‘falls into disrepair’

After an incident on Oxford Street, which saw nine arrested, Marks & Spencer's Operations Director has warned consumers and retailers that crime rates are surging as the flagship shopping destination declines.

Sacha Berendji, Operations Director at M&S, wrote in a letter to the Telegraph that the district had once been "the jewel in London’s shopping crown" but is now full of "empty shops, littered streets and fewer visitors".

The recent incident not only saw nine arrested but also an additional 34 dispersal orders issued. Berendji said this was, "another reminder of how bad things are".

This comes just weeks after Marks & Spencer was refused permission to demolish its Marble Arch store – after an inquiry into its plans to redevelop it was launched by Communities Secretary Michael Gove – and is now considering whether it will leave the site altogether.

The retailer had previously been given permission to demolish the Art Deco building and replace it with a modern new store along with office and leisure facilities. However following objections from environmental groups and heritage campaigners, Gove stepped in.

At the time, a furious Stuart Machin, CEO at Marks & Spencer, said: "We have been clear from the outset that there is no other viable scheme – so, after almost a century at Marble Arch, M&S is now left with no choice but to review its future position on Oxford Street on the whim of one man. It is utterly pathetic".

Berendji backed this up, stating: "With the support of Westminster Council, the Greater London Authority, and many of our retail neighbours, M&S wanted to start the fight back.

"To reverse the failing fortunes of Oxford Street by redeveloping our store to provide a modern, sustainable building which would have regenerated the area, created thousands of jobs, drastically cut ongoing carbon emissions, and attracted new investment."

During the recent incident, retailers were forced to pull shutters down. Some stores were shut with customers still inside after baton-clad officers clashed with dozens of youths. It is suspected that the disorderly group formed after planning it on social media. It has been linked to a social media campaign, which called youths to "rob JD Sports".

Berendji urged the government to step in and help restore the flagship street to what it once was. He added: "The street was practically locked down by police to prevent major unrest planned on social media… Londoners know that something must be done to save Oxford Street."

Read TheIndustry.fashion's feature: Should Marks & Spencer walk away from Marble Arch?