Shops and retail staff targeted in several incidents in Bangor
Multiple reports of anti-social behaviour in Bangor over the last number of weeks have seen retail premises and staff threatened and abused, with youths targeting shops and damaging stock.
Throughout March, several incidents were reported to police regarding teenagers causing disruption in shops and business premises in the town.
A report on Monday 16th March revealed a number of teenage boys had entered a retail premises on Main Street, where they threatened to assault a staff member and caused a disturbance.
Then on Friday 20th March two reports were received, with one reporting a teenager had been verbally abusive and thrown food items towards staff and customers in the business premises, again in the Main Street area. Police said they were aware of a video circulating on social media of this incident.
In the other incident on 20th March, youths entered a retail store and began throwing items around and generally causing a disruption to workers and customers.
The reports come as a survey reveals that more than a quarter of shoppers in Northern Ireland (26%) have witnessed verbal or physical abuse of shop staff in the last 12 months, including foul or derogatory language, racial or sexual abuse, physical assaults or threats with weapons.
The shocking statistic was revealed in the latest Northern Ireland Retail Consortium Opinium survey and is markedly higher than the UK-wide figure of 21%.
Director of NIRC, Neil Johnston said the figure was a sad reflection of the serious problem Northern Ireland has with violent and abusive behaviour towards retail staff.
“While an incident of abuse or violence can be over in a matter of seconds, it can have life-long consequences on those who experience it,” said Neil.
“Experiencing the reality of retail crime makes shoppers think twice about visiting their local high streets, undermining the health and vitality of our retail destinations.”
Bangor Neighbourhood Inspector Campbell said that officers take all such reports seriously.
“We recognise the wider impact that this kind of behaviour can have on the local community. We are committed to addressing these issues and supporting those affected.
“Patrols in Bangor and the wider area will continue, and we are also continuing to work alongside partner agencies and local representatives in order to help resolve any issues.
“It is vital we work together to promote responsible behaviour and support a safe environment for everyone,” added Inspector Campbell.
“Our enquiries are continuing, and I am appealing to anyone with any information which might help us to get in touch.
“You can contact us via 101, or submit a report online via our non-emergency reporting form at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org.”
