Retailers in an affluent neighborhood of Edinburgh express growing fears for their safety as shoplifting incidents escalate. Local shop owners report violent encounters, including assaults and threats with weapons. Increased police presence aims to deter crime, yet shopkeepers feel that cuts to policing have effectively decriminalized shoplifting. These incidents have left staff bruised and shaken, with calls for more proactive measures to prevent such crimes. The situation has alarmed the community, leading to significant concerns about safety and security in local businesses.