Crime spree sees Hednesford firms vandalised
Vandals have targeted businesses in Hednesford in a recent crime spate, sparking a police pledge to crack down on the trouble.
Some business bosses say they have even been forced to pay for CCTV in a bid to keep their properties safe.
Traders raised concerns over the number of cases of anti-social behaviour in the town at a meeting with police bosses.
One business owner said the vandal attacks had even left her '??not wanting to live in Hednesford'??.
Councillor Linda Whitehouse said her business, Whitehouse & Partners in Market Street, was vandalised last week.
"??I returned from a meeting last Wednesday to find my windows broken, walls graffitied and locks superglued. It has really made me not want to live in Hednesford,"? she said.
"??I am now going to have to pay £1,000 for CCTV cameras."
She said other traders were in the same boat.
Mike Allsopp, manager of Hednesford'??s Aquarius Ballroom, said he had also been a victim of crime in recent weeks. "??A group of lads recently came upstairs in the ballroom and took some of my property,"? he said.
"??I have got CCTV cameras and I have spent a further £400 since on more cameras."
Chief Inspector Carl Ratcliffe said he wanted to see more traders sign up to the Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford Business Crime Reduction Partnership.
"??It disappoints me to think that people do not feel safe in their own town,"? he said.
