Traders in Dudley, West Midlands, are raising alarm over escalating crime that is keeping shoppers away and harming local businesses. Despite the recent opening of a new West Midlands Police headquarters nearby at Castlegate, shopkeepers say the streets remain plagued by gangs of thieves and groups of youths, leaving little visible law enforcement to deter trouble.
Staff at Poundland report daily shoplifting incidents, with offenders filling bags with items such as chocolate and washing pods. Ava Webb, assistant manager at the store, described how large groups of schoolchildren gather after hours, engaging in disruptive behaviour throughout the market area. “You’ll get 20 or 30 at a time with no supervision,” she said. “They throw things at each other, and without enough police presence, there’s nothing to stop them.”
Similarly, Paula Goodyear, who owns a café in Fountain Arcade, says customers are avoiding the town centre due to safety concerns. “I get messages from people saying it’s too frightening to come into town,” she explained. “Where once we had groups of four or five at a table, now only the occasional customer comes, all because of crime.” Mrs Goodyear also highlighted the failure of police community support officers (PCSOs) to curb youth misbehaviour, noting that young offenders often disregard their authority.
West Midlands Police, represented by Dudley Central Sergeant Chris Pyke, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized their efforts to combat crime. The town centre is monitored by two dedicated neighbourhood PCSOs and two police constables, supported by response officers and specialist units. “Tackling antisocial behaviour is a priority,” Sgt Pyke said. “We conduct targeted patrols, engage with the public and businesses, and collaborate with Dudley Council street wardens.”
In an attempt to further curb disorder, Dudley Council has implemented new Public Space Protection Orders targeting antisocial vehicle use and behaviour. Councillor Caroline Reid, representing Dudley town centre, stated she regularly patrols the area herself and remains concerned by the prevalence of crime. “You might see police called to shoplifting incidents or a brief glimpse of PCSOs, but often they are absent the rest of the day,” she said. “If their presence is truly there, why is crime continuing at this level?”
Charity shops also suffer from the lack of safety. The Acorns Children’s Hospice shop faces frequent theft and violent incidents, forcing staff into difficult situations. Manager Emily Shaw described instances of young gangs causing disturbances and explained she sometimes needs to close early when groups gather outside. “This is the worst town I’ve worked in,” she lamented.
The persistent absence of a strong police presence and ongoing criminal activity continue to unsettle both residents and business owners in Dudley, fuelling calls for immediate action to restore safety and confidence in the town centre.