Anger over broken cafe windows in Shrewsbury as patrols stepped up

Stop Coffee Shop, in St Julian’s Friars, Shrewsbury, was left with hundreds of pounds of damage after windows were smashed over the weekend.

Owner Mike Dalton is calling for police to find a long-term strategy to tackle the problem after several other town centre break-ins over the past fortnight.

Shrewsbury police inspector Saf Ali insists the team is looking at a long-term plan and said the issue was a top priority for the town’s officers.

An arrest has been made in connection with a number of break-ins, as well as at least two other arrests for violent incidents. Shrewsbury Bid is also providing extra security patrols to support the police.

Mr Dalton said: “After the challenges of lockdown, we’re really angry about the attacks on various premises in the town, and we are grateful for the enormous support we have had from customers and the local community.

"We are pleased to see extra security being put in place and would like to see a collaboration between businesses like ourselves, the town council, Shrewsbury BID and the police to work on a long-term strategy to tackle this problem.”

Inspector Ali said following the recent spate of anti-social behaviour and thefts in the town centre, since restrictions had begun to be lifted, Shrewsbury’s Safer Neighbourhood Team had been briefed to patrol the town centre until further notice to discourage further incidents.

Priority

“This is a local priority and there will be dedicated patrols overnight in the town,” he said.

“The team is also looking at a longer-term strategy to discourage incidents, incorporating patrol plans and community engagement.

"Arrests have also been made regarding recent break-ins and anti-social behaviour and offenders are being dealt with by CID.”

Seb Slater, executive director of Shrewsbury BID, said traders had been working extremely hard to get ready for reopening, which had made the break-ins particularly hard to take.

“We are absolutely committed to ensuring Shrewsbury continues to be a safe place to work and visit, so we’re working with the police by providing extra security services overnight,” he said.

“Security operatives are working in addition to and alongside the police and CCTV to report and deter any further incidents of theft, criminal damage or anti-social behaviour.

"We would encourage all traders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.”

Equipement was also taken from Strands hairdressers, in Grope Lane, while The Allotment fruit and veg shop in Greyfriars Bridge, Nomad Coffee Co in Wyle Cop were targeted.