Yobs will be banned from Shrewsbury town centre, police warn after spate of incidents
Town centre bans will be slapped on anti-social yobs following a spate of incidents, a police inspector has said.
Several shops have been broken into in Shrewsbury in the past fortnight, and there have been several reports of violence and anti-social behaviour in the town.
But arrests have been made in connection with the theft of £20,000 worth of watches from jewellers Goldsmiths of Shrewsbury in the Square and other break-ins.
A man, who police consider to be a ringleader of disorder in town, has also been arrested.
Now, as part of the long-term plan to tackle the problem, Inspector Saf Ali wants banning orders to be implemented to keep the culprits out of the town centre and help the public and shop workers feel safer.
“We’ve made a couple of arrests for the thefts and we’ve arrested the main person for the anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“We’re looking to get an anti-social behaviour injunction to keep him out of the town centre.
“We are looking at long-term strategies including injunctions and criminal behaviour orders for him and his group.
“We’ve got more officers out on patrol and we’ve re-allocated more resources to pay more attention in town.”
It will come as welcome news after a number of break-ins and violent incidents were reported over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend and last weekend.
Over Easter, Strands hairdressers in Grope Lane was broken into and expensive equipment was stolen.
There was also violence in Shoplatch, Victoria Quay and the Quarry.
Last weekend, Goldsmiths was also targeted, as well as Stop Coffee Shop in St Julian’s Friars, The Allotment in Greyfriars Bridge and Nomad Coffee Co in Wyle Cop.
One Shrewsbury crook, who has been dealt with by the justice system for offences at the end of March, is Ian Bevan. He has since been jailed for six months after appearing in court.
Bevan, 36, pleaded guilty to a string of offences including a burglary, five thefts and a common assault.
