Shoppers 'intimidated by gang' in Christchurch's Saxon Square

CHRISTCHURCH shopkeepers claim they and their customers are having to run a “gauntlet of intimidation and threats” from a gang that regularly loiters in Saxon Square.

Traders have told the A&T they feel “scared” of the group, with one store owner saying she has twice had to offer shelter to frightened people.

Dorset Police insisted the town was safe, but said officers were running extra patrols at Saxon Square and urged people to report criminal behaviour.

One shopkeeper, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “On one recent occasion a man came stumbling past the shop clearly either drunk or on drugs.

“A little boy ran round the corner and the man started really shouting and swearing at him.

“The young boy was terrified and his parents came into our shop with him to get away from the guy. They were very shaken and upset.”

Recounting how another family had to take shelter, the store owner said: “The group were being very aggressive to passers-by.

“The family felt unsafe and we had to shut the door and keep it closed until the gang had moved on.

“These people scream and shout at each other. You can hear them doing it in the underpass from my shop – that’s how loud they are.

“I feel sorry for homeless people and addicts, but this should not be taking place.”

Her call for more police patrols and CCTV cameras was backed by beauty salon manager Kiri Page.

Kiri said: “I have to lock the door at 4pm to make sure the people who work for me are safe. These people can be scary – they are clearly drunk or taking drugs.

“They are intimidating and it feels threatening.

“I have only ever seen one police officer speaking to them when they were being particularly loud, but he did not move them on.

“Apart from that I’ve hardly seen any officers in the square at all.”

Another store owner said it felt like people were “running a gauntlet of intimidation and threats”.

She said: “We’ve had elderly customers saying they no longer want to come into Christchurch, and especially the square, as they do not feel safe.

“I would like to see some action taken against them as we have had to put up with all sorts going on.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Helen Deakin, of Christchurch police, said her team was aware of a “slight increase in anti-social behaviour” in the Saxon Square area and have been carrying out “targeted, high-visibility policing.”

She added: “The local neighbourhood policing team is working with partner agencies, including BCP Community Safety Accreditation Scheme officers, as well as special constables to provide wider support and an increased presence to target prolific offenders.

“As part of the Safer Business Week of Action last week, officers were in the library engaging with local businesses. This provided an opportunity for the business community to raise any concerns and discuss how the local neighbourhood policing team could support them.

“We would strongly encourage anyone who has witnessed any anti-social behaviour or crime in the area to please report it to Dorset Police.

“This will allow us to establish exactly what is happening and build an intelligence picture in the area.

“Christchurch is a safe place to live, shop, work and visit and we will continue to work collaboratively with our partners to tackle and solve any problems.”