Bolton: Kids Connection concerned for future following thefts and anti-social behaviour

Peter Elliott – who owns Kids Connection – has said he feels ‘powerless’ when goods are stolen from his store and staff are verbally abused.

He fears that the issues could lead to his business having to close.

Police say that they have been taking a proactive approach to anti-social behaviour in the area.

Officers have pledged to continue engaging with local residents and businesses, with dedicated PCSOs, conducting high-visibility patrols.

Peter said: “The continuous shoplifting and abuse that our staff get could mean that we will become another shop to close its doors in the town centre.

“I couldn’t forgive myself if anything happened to any of my staff and they got hurt.

“I feel as though there is nothing to stop the shoplifters and we need more support from the police and council.

“If nothing is done, my staff are gonna be seriously hurt or worse.

“It will be a shame if we have to close the doors because of this.”

The business was originally owned by Peter’s parents when it was in the Market Hall, and he has been in the town square for 15 years.

Peter concerned for future after recent incidents at shop

Manager Carol Hunt says that the situation has “gone beyond shoplifting”, and that it has always been an issue, but it gradually got worse at the end of March.

Carol says that some of the most recent incidents have involved members of the public asking staff for money or personal details, as well as regular thefts.

She added: “It’s very scary and intimidating.

“A lot of the times they are very agitated and will get anything by any means.

“We’ve never had this before, where they are coming into the shop to ask personal questions like this, and step into your personal space.

“It’s really alarming.

“It’s frightening coming to work, and the girls are very anxious.

“We need help and feel that nobody is taking responsibility.

“We are desperate for something to change."

She says that they can’t lock up on their own because of the incidents.

On one occasion, Carol said a shoplifter who was carrying an armful of items, said: ‘I will be back’.

Peter has said that a new walkie talkie system has been introduced, where staff can speak to security officers, but that more is needed.

A new CCTV system has also been installed following the incidents.         

Chief Inspector Justine Topping, from GMP’s Bolton district, said: “We understand that incidents of anti-social behaviour can have an impact on how people live their day-to-day lives and how it can leave them feeling unsafe, which is why our officers have been working hard to tackle these incidents in Bolton town centre, ensure that offenders are clear that it will not be tolerated.

“We have dedicated PSCOs, who conduct high-visibility patrols of the area to provide reassurance to the public and disrupt any anti-social behaviour and we will continue to engage with local residents and businesses, so that we can act on their concerns.

“Many of our local businesses are already part of a partnership scheme supported by GMP and Bolton Council, which facilitates radio contact between stores and provides a direct link to CCTV operators and their extensive coverage. The CCTV operators in turn, have direct access to police via the police radio.

“If you are a member of the public and you see something suspicious or want to report a crime, you can do so via our website or by calling 101.

"Always dial 999 in an emergency.”

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We fully understand the concerns of local businesses about crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

“The council has already introduced measures including town centre radios and the Public Space Protection Order, and we continue to work with the police to address these concerns.

“The council also funds extensive CCTV coverage across the town centre.

“Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the council, and part of our broader plan to make the town centre the best possible place to live, work and visit.”