'We need more police on streets' - Call for bigger presence in Darlaston after thefts and vandal attacks at shops
Demands have been made for more police on the streets of Darlaston after a series of shop thefts, threats to staff and damage to properties.
Shops in the town and specifically the Rough Hay area have been targeted by vandals, with windows damaged at Hussnains Convenience Shop on Willenhall Road and the Extreme Fashion hair studio on Rough Hay Road in the last week.
Mathew Burton, aged 42 from Wolverhampton, who has run Extreme Hair Salon with his wife Clare, 43, for seven years, said a window had been smashed.
He said: "Our window was smashed on Monday evening at what time we don't now. We don't know why we were targeted.
"We are closing a few hours early each day now as a result, because we are worried the people may come back and target us again while we have customers inside. Our biggest concern is that we may be targeted again, we are really worried.
"We do not know who is responsible. We have had to go to a specialist to get new windows. Our trade has been affected."
Mohammed Altaf, owner of Hussnains Convenience Store, said his family are 'fed up' with trouble.
He said: "We have had items stolen from our shop and it was the same kids who broke our window.
"We are being driven out of business. We are fed up of the trouble. We are afraid they will come back."
Councillor Doug James says he has contacted the area's police team to say that police 'must patrol our streets' to provide reassurance to the shop keepers and residents.
He said: "Following a series of thefts, threats and damage to the shop premises I am demanding more support for small business and shop staff in Rough Hay Darlaston.
"The proprietor of the family run shop Hussnains Convenience Shop has been targeted by a gang of youths who have disrupted business and the family life of our hard working shop staff.
"Through theft and criminal damage an anti-social minority of youths are preventing friendly services to local residents. We will not tolerate this intimidation or crime in Rough Hay. I have contacted Darlaston Police and will take the matter further if necessary.
"Police must patrol our streets to provide reassurance and apprehend the culprits."
Sergeant Lee Nicholls from Darlaston Police said: "We have a dedicated neighbourhood team who regularly patrol the area and work closely with local people and businesses to raise awareness of crime trends, offer support and advice.
"Store related theft and criminal damage in Darlaston has fallen compared with the same time last year, but we are not complacent and are committed to preventing crime, protecting the public and helping those in need."
