a day ago
‘It's out of control': Shop owner hits out at vandals after window was smashed
A shop owner has said a group of youths are out of control after his store was vandalised on Shirley Road, causing approximately £1,000 worth of damage.
Sandeep Kumar has owned News and Photos in Shirley for a little over a year but said the past two months is the worst he has ever known it, with a group of youths repeatedly targeting the store, as well as other businesses on the high street.
Speaking to the Echo he said: 'In two months, the shop has had its window broken, I've had alcohol stolen, boxes of chocolates taken, the sign directly outside the entrance has been taken and moved further up the road.
'Before the last couple of months everything was fine but then all of a sudden something bad is happening in Shirley every day, it's out of control.
'Poundland have had many problems, other shops in the precinct have been targeted, Subway also had their window kicked, I've not known anything like it.'
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After refusing to let a group of teenagers but alcohol from his convenience store two weeks ago, Sandeep watched on as his shop window was kicked and then hit with a broomstick, causing in the region of £750 to £1,000 of damage.
'I think more needs to be done to prevent this kind of bad behaviour happening in the future,' Sandeep added.
'The police are aware of the issues we've been having, and I think they know what's happened to other businesses too.
'We're good people here and we really like the community and try and look after our customers.
'It's difficult when a group of people that are so young are causing damage and causing stress for people.
'It's hard enough sometimes running a business; nobody needs extra hassle. It's something you think about because you wonder when it's going to stop.
'I shouldn't have to worry about people coming in and stealing things.
'Even if the items are small, it all ads up and £20 worth of stock can disappear just like that.
"There's only so much you're able to do. Day to day it is getting worse and worse."
