Newark's business owners left in state of despair as anti-social behaviour and theft increases

A spate of attacks on independent businesses has left Newark shopkeepers in a state of despair — with some questioning the lack of support from the council and the police.

Susi Wright, owner of Meander and Mooch, on Cartergate, said she felt under threat due to an accumulation of incidents on the high street.

"The surge in crime and anti-social behaviour in the town is destroying the morale of retailers, already struggling to recover after lockdown," she said.

"A window was smashed at City Goldsmiths on Middlegate and there has been three attempted break-ins at Lace Boutique this month.

"This week, four children threw Coca Cola inside Scarlet Boutique, on Cartergate, and intimidated the female owner by throwing her merchandise around the shop.

"I saw the kids running away. She was left very shaken, and this is not the first time she has suffered.

"They later went on to the Beanblock Café, and sprayed silly string at the owner."

Susi said the most frustrating aspect of the ASB was the disruption it caused for customers as one of her VIP guests from London was the subject of verbal abuse.

She said if it continued it would be hard to sustain business.

Richard Pearson, owner of Arcade Framing Gallery, echoed Susi's comments.

"The kids have been foul and abusive and, in Susi's case, she has even shut early," said Richard.

"I feel like so many businesses are at breaking point.

"We haven't had support from the council or the police on this issue and the state of the town is going down hill.

"Nothing is being done at all. We are all on edge."

Antony Pollard, owner of Dryclean Plus, on Bargate, has also reported an attempted break-in.

The incident took place at 12.30am on September 16.

"The disturbed by my alarm system and then fled empty handed leaving the wrecked door," he said.

"It has been hard enough trying to trade with covid-19 and now this — I despair."

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Heather Sutton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We work closely with our local business community to respond to reports of crime in Newark Town Centre.

“A report of attempted burglary at Dry Clean Plus in Bar Gate, Newark, was made at 12.30am on Wednesday, September 16.

"In the incident, it is thought that a person had attempted to smash the front door of the premises, leaving the glass on the door damaged.

“We have also received a report of burglary City Goldsmiths in Middlegate on 23 September. In that incident, it is believed that a man broke a shop window to gain entry to the shop before taking items from the store believed to be in the value of between £50 - £150.

“As part of our investigation into the incidents, we review CCTV footage in the area and at the shops, conduct enquiries locally and work with residents in order to find those responsible.

“I would urge anyone who sees something suspicious in the area to report it to us as soon as possible.

“If you have any information on the incidents at Dry Clean Plus and City Goldsmiths, please do not hesitate to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 17 of 16 September 2020 (Dry Clean Plus) and incident 107 of 23 September 2020 (City Goldsmiths).”