Officers are sending a strong message to Swindon residents that anti-social and intimidating behaviour will not be tolerated following an incident at the Orbital Shopping Centre earlier this week.
At approximately 6pm on Wednesday, officers were called to Costa Coffee in the Next store following several reports that a large group of youths aged between approximately 11 and 15 had entered the store and were acting in an anti-social manner.
Reports suggested the group – which included a number of people wearing masks – were shouting and swearing at staff, intimidating customers, fighting and jumping on furniture.
There were young families in the store at the time who were understandably shaken up as a result of the behaviour of the group.
Sergeant Keith Macdonald said, “The behaviour of this group was wholly inappropriate and it is extremely fortunate that nobody was injured. When PCSOs attended the scene, the group continued to act in a disrespectful manner. Further officers arrived and two of the youths – two boys aged 12 and 16 – were arrested on suspicion of using threatening or abusive words and behaviour to cause alarm, distress or harassment.
“I would like to stress how disappointing incidents of this nature are – the arrest of an individual as young as 12 is something we will do everything in our power to avoid however on this occasion, the behaviour of these individuals was so disgraceful and relentless that officers had no other option.
“It is not acceptable that families living in our town should be subjected to this kind of incident while out shopping or meeting friends. Please be reassured the individuals involved with be dealt with appropriately. I would urge parents to talk to their children about their behaviour and ensure they are aware of their whereabouts, especially as we head into Halloween weekend. Halloween is an enjoyable evening for a lot of people, but please remember it can be a distressing and frightening time for some people living in our communities including the elderly and vulnerable. There is no excuse for making people feel frightened so please be mindful of your behaviour not just this weekend, but at all times.”
If you were in Costa Coffee in Next at the Orbital on Wednesday and you witnessed the incident, please call 101 and quote crime reference number 54210105529. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
