A group of children are shoplifting from stores in Goring many times a day and leaving staff “terrified”, states a recent report.
The Co-op in Field Place Parade, Goring, has reported a spate of incidents in the last few months. Several shopkeepers in the area say problems have got worse since the beginning of this year, states a local report.
The customer claims to have witnessed at least eight different incidents involving children at the Co-op and has taken pictures on two occasions.
Incidents have also happened at McColl's convenience store, 100 meters away from Co-op in Field Place Parade, which is alleged to have been targeted for alcohol and vapes in the past.
Most recently he has seen youngsters "throwing shopping baskets", alcohol allegedly being stolen and several other items being taken on what is claimed to be a daily basis.
Most stolen items being shoplifted are alcohol, vapes, a plasterboard saw and spray paint. There are concerns from shopkeepers and residents that justice is not being done.The Co-op customer, who lives in the Worthing area but asked not to be named, said the “rampant and crazy” behaviour is not being punished.
It was also reported earlier that a Budgens shop worker fought off a 14-year-old with a knife.
This week we revealed how a wave of youth criminality in Worthing led transport police to create a 'wanted' style poster of 30 children to watch out for - dubbed the "West Coast Nominals".
Earlier this month, Sussex police arrested three boys after they went into the Co-op and allegedly assaulted staff by "throwing shopping baskets". The customer claims a shopworker had to take time off work as a result.
Sussex Police said they continue to respond to “concerns regarding antisocial behaviour from a small group of young people in and around the Worthing locality”.
A Co-op spokesman said: “Retail crime, violence, abuse and antisocial behaviour affects all retailers, and should not be part of the job when shop workers are working hard to serve their communities.Co-op has successfully campaigned for stricter sentences for attacks against shopworkers.”
