Yobs lay siege to Tesco store (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Yobs lay siege to Tesco store

Tesco Express in Liden where the trouble flaredA STORE in Liden is under siege from bottle-throwing youths. Officers were called to Tesco Express, in Liden Village Centre, three times on Friday evening.

One worker, who has asked not to be named, was headbutted when he confronted youths terrorising customers.

It comes a fortnight after the police said that they wanted to stop youths hanging around the shopping centre.

Trouble flared at about 9pm on Friday when youths armed with glass bottles started hurling abuse at customers. Bottles were smashed by the entrance.

Police were called to the store and regained order for a while.

But 30 minutes later the gang was back. A third visit was made by officers shortly before 10pm.

According to the store worker, staff work in constant fear of attack.

Now he wants police to get tough on troublemakers by introducing a dispersal order.

Such orders are already in place in other trouble spots around town, including Theatre Square next to the Wyvern Theatre.

An order would give officers the power to break up gangs they suspect of causing anti-social behaviour.

The worker said: "I am not the only worker who has been attacked. Someone else was attacked within the past few months.

"We have had youths ride bikes inside and intimidating customers and staff.

"They smash glass bottles outside and I have even seen people strolling around with baseball bats.

"People around here think that Liden is being ignored."

Inspector Paul Hawkins, of Swindon police, said officers are deliberately opting for the softly-softly approach.

He said: "No arrests were made. Officers advised youths to move on.

"If it is recognised that there is a big problem in this area there is the potential for a dispersal order.

"But at this stage we would prefer to appeal to their better nature. We want these people to enjoy themselves not annoy or harass others."

Last month parents in Liden were told to take responsibility for their children's actions.

PC Phil Young the area's community beat officer said youths should be encouraged to meet in local parks not outside Liden Village Centre.

He said: "Anti-social behaviour may not seem serious to those responsible but it can, and is, causing misery and distress for individuals in this area."

Debbie Sharp, the landlady of the Liden Arms, said the situation in the area was getting out of hand, and that there were fights and reports of youths hassling passers-by.

Kevin Shoesmith