“OUT of control” teenagers are taking drugs, abusing staff and pushing over customers in a rising tide of anti-social behaviour in Worcester city centre.
Dildar Khan, owner of The Town and The Town Fried Chicken in The Cross, as well as a convenience store in Friar Street, said an escalating problem with youth gangs is causing real harm to staff and trade.
In one instance, youths started a fire on a restaurant table.
“It is the same faces who are stealing, doing balloons in the shop and vaping, throwing stuff and pushing customers,” said Mr Khan.
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“They are out of control.”
Dildar Khan, owner of The Town and The Town Fried Chicken on The Cross, said staff and customers have faced abuse from teenagers. (Image: Dildar Khan)
He described how groups of young people, believed to be around 14 years old, often gather outside his businesses late into the night.
He said they become abusive if challenged for vaping or using “balloons” inside the stores.
In one incident, Mr Khan said children tried to run behind the shop counter.
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He said: “One brought a trolley from outside the shop and threw it inside.
The owner, Mr Khan, said that when his staff tells the youths to stop, they damage his store like pushing a trolley into the storefront. (Image: The Town)
“They have physically attacked windows, stolen items and run away with them.”
Mr Khan also reported that staff had been subjected to racist abuse.
“They are racist and call us terrorists, but they do not understand what they are saying,” he added.
“We have been shouted at, accused of assault and rape by the kids.
“We are scared people will believe it.”
One youth started a fire at one of the tables at The Town Fried Chicken on The Cross (Image: The Town)
The situation has deteriorated, he said, from verbal abuse to physical threats, raising concerns for workers’ safety.
He said: “It is getting worse – they used to just be verbal, but now it is getting physical.
“We have knives behind the counter [in the kitchen], and if they get behind, they have access to that.
“They can do damage to a worker or themselves, and staff cannot do anything.”
West Mercia Police said it is aware of concerns raised by businesses about antisocial behaviour in the Broad Street and High Street area and understands the impact this can have on staff, customers and the wider community.
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They said officers regularly patrol the area and are working with the council and other partners to address the issue.
“We recognise the concerns being raised and are committed to working with partners to prevent incidents from escalating and ensure the city centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone,” they added.
“We would encourage anyone affected to report incidents to us, as this helps us build a clearer picture of what is happening and target resources where they are needed most.”
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