A Newcastle city centre shop owner has described how his business is repeatedly targeted by shoplifting and anti-social behaviour from groups of youths. Haile Tesfu, who runs Millan Express within a unit at Haymarket Metro station, told ChronicleLive the ongoing issue is a daily pressure for his business.
Daily incidents of theft and abuse
Groups of young people and teenagers, often masked, target the shop "almost every single day," with a pattern of repeat behaviour noted between 3pm and 9pm. Items stolen include vapes, power banks, lighters, drinks and chocolate.
CCTV footage documenting these incidents has been reported to police on multiple occasions, but the shop owner says he has "yet to see any effective action taken to address the problem." He added: "Small retailers are vital to the vitality of the city centre, yet many of us feel left to handle retail crime and anti-social behaviour entirely on our own."
Violence escalates in recent weeks
The situation has worsened in recent weeks, turning violent. One incident on October 29 saw Haile repeatedly hit by an attempted shoplifter. Distressing CCTV footage shows the moment the shop owner was attacked by a youth attempting to steal a power bank. An hour later, the attacker returned with a larger group, and the shop owner was pushed behind the till.
Further recordings show another group of teenagers approaching Haile at the counter, who repeatedly states "Leave the shop," met with abusive language and cruel remarks mocking his appearance.
"I don't feel safe and comfortable. Even for my staff, they've been bothering them too," Haile said. "They pushed and attacked me."
Financial losses and staff safety concerns
Haile estimates around £200 worth of stock has been stolen in the last few weeks alone. "One time they took power banks, six vapes about £15 each and drinks. In another incident ten lighters were taken."
He is now worried for the wellbeing of his staff. Usually only one person works at a time, but because of incidents Northumbria Police have recommended two staff members work together when possible. "We'd feel safer as a two but this is really hard to balance finically."
Haile says he "now has a lack of faith," after repeatedly sharing photos with police but still awaiting an outcome, adding: "I'm really angry about the ordeal." The shop, which has a second entrance into the Metro station, has been told Metro security staff cannot interfere once incidents enter the shop unit.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "On Tuesday October 20 and Thursday October 29, we received reports of anti-social behaviour and theft in Newcastle city centre. It was reported that a group of youths had entered a premises within Haymarket Metro Station and became abusive towards a member of staff. The youths were also reported to have stolen items from the premises, including sweets and pop, before making off on foot. A proportionate policing response was put in place, and enquiries are ongoing to locate those responsible."
The spokesperson added that police routinely work with partners and carry out proactive patrols in the area, and asked parents and carers to know where their youngsters are. Anyone with information should contact police, quoting reference number NP-20261029-0763.
