Group of youths ‘egged’ window of charity shop
PATROLS ARE STEPPED UP AFTER UNRULY TEENAGERS BLIGHT TOWN
SHOP owners in Bingham say a group of more than 20 youths are gathering at night and causing trouble in the town.
Police have now increased patrols in Bingham, especially around the Market Place, after numerous reports of anti-social behaviour.
The group has reportedly thrown eggs at a charity shop window and intimidated a pensioner in recent weeks and residents and businesses have told the Post it needs to stop.
Elena Georgiou, who runs Eaton Place Fish Bar, said: “There was a couple of boys that approached my 69-year-old dad, started to bang on the window and trying to intimidate him.
“I called him and told him to go inside and called the police - I just saw red.
“We see a big group of them every night, all lads between 14 and 19 I’d say, and there are around 23 of them.
“The other night there was a lovely couple walking their dog and one of them was riding his bike deliberately fast making out as if he was going to go into them.
“I have been here for more than 30 years and the youngsters seemed to have a lot more respect for people back then. Everyone wants to just get on with our lives, it’s hard enough as it is.”
The group even ‘egged’ the windows of the Dog’s Trust charity, currently closed due to the pandemic. Kristina Linnell, 48, who owns the shop, said: “It was around two or three weeks ago.
“I think police upping the patrols is a good thing, definitely - hopefully it will stop it happening again.”
Isabel Shouler, 42, who runs Iris Blue in Eaton Place, added: “It happens more in the evenings. They have been banging on my shutters and smashed the plastic on my sign, but it’s not as bad as Elena has had it next door.
“Bingham is generally a lovely place it’s a minority. The problem is we no longer have a local police station, the closest is West Bridgford - we feel a bit cut off here. We don’t see many patrols, usually - we don’t know the names of our community officers.
“The people involved just need to be better. It’s why we close this shop at 5.30pm.”
The Rushcliffe South Team at Nottinghamshire Police completed an operation last weekend in the area and will continue with their proactive patrols at the end of the month. They are urging local residents to call the police if they see any unacceptable behaviour.
Neighbourhood Inspector Craig Berry said: “Local residents have made us aware of their concerns in this area and we are currently working in partnership with the local council to tackle these issues head-on. “There have been a handful of anti-social behaviour reports in recent weeks and we continue to work closely with the local authority in tackling the issue. We have upped patrols in the town centre around Market Place following local youths congregating in the evenings. We will continue to listen to residents and respond to anti-social behaviour positively using our engage, explain and encourage approach.
“Where this fails police will take enforcement action, utilising appropriate anti-social behaviour powers that could result in arrest and prosecution.
“Hopefully these measures, along with the actions from Rushcliffe Borough Council, will further deter this kind of activity from taking place.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods, Rob Inglis, added: “We’re reassuring residents we’re working with Nottinghamshire Police to address any issues and ensuring our High Street ambassadors are patrolling and acting as our further eyes and ears in the area.
“To report anti-social behaviour call 101, or in an emergency dial 999.”
I have been here for 30 years... the youngsters seemed to have a lot more respect for people back then. Elena Georgiou