Dudley town centre traders are sounding the alarm: they say crime is rampant, and there simply aren’t enough police on the streets. Despite a new West Midlands Police headquarters opening nearby, local shopkeepers and business owners report a worrying rise in shoplifting and disruptive youth gangs, leading to a palpable sense of fear.
Poundland staff reveal they face shoplifting *every single day*. Crooks brazenly fill bags with everything from chocolate to washing-up pods. Ava Webb, assistant manager, describes how groups of 20-30 unsupervised school kids descend on the town, causing chaos and throwing objects, with no visible police presence to deter them.
The impact is hitting local businesses hard. Paula Goodyear, who runs a popular café, says her customers are too scared to visit. “I won’t go to town. It’s too frightening for me,” one message to her read. This loss of customers directly affects livelihoods. Even charity shops like Acorns Children’s Hospice are regular targets, with staff worrying for their safety and some having to shut early due to disturbances.
West Midlands Police acknowledge the issues, stating they have dedicated neighbourhood PCSOs and PCs, supported by wider teams, actively monitoring Dudley town centre and tackling antisocial behaviour. Sergeant Chris Pyke emphasizes regular targeted patrols and engagement with the public and businesses, working with Dudley Council Street wardens. The council has also introduced new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle vehicle and general antisocial behaviour.
However, many traders and local councillors, like Caroline Reid, question the effectiveness of these measures. If police presence is so robust, they ask, why is crime seemingly spiralling out of control? The consensus from the High Street is clear: without a visible, consistent police presence, fear will continue to drive people away, threatening the very heart of Dudley’s community.
Source: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/plea-police-west-midlands-town-33542766
