Shop staff in appeal for CCTV increase

Charity shop bosses are demanding more CCTV security cameras after windows were smashed and bins set alight at a Wednesbury store.

Staff at Age Concern in Union Street said two windows have been put through in recent weeks and have asked for new cameras to cover the area at the back of of the row of shops.

The building has already been stripped of lead and yobs have been spotting running across the roof.

Assistant manager Jean Bowker, aged 63, has worked at the shop for the past three years. She said: "We need better security in the town.

"We are having all kinds of problems at the back of the shop. If we could have the CCTV that would help to solve problems around here.

"I can't believe that people would target a charity shop. All we want to do is help people."

Arthur Dean, deputy chairman of Wednesbury Traders Association, said: "The town is being hit by these youths all the time."

Inspector Akeel Najib of Wednesbury police said officers are tackling the problem and had already seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour in the past month. He said: "We have got an increased patrol.

"We are stopping and talking to them and speaking to their parents to help curb the problem."