8:50am Sunday 28th December 2008
Exclusive By Ali Dent
CHILDREN nearly killed a shopper in south Yate after dropping a bucket of cement from a balcony.
Large groups of youths are being blamed for a rise in anti-social behaviour, vandalism and underage drinking in Abbotswood Shopping Centre but police said their near-fatal antics last week were completely "unacceptable".
"Somebody could have been killed," said acting inspector Adrian Fallows.
"A number of youths were gathering on the balcony to the rear of the shopping centre last Tuesday evening.
"One of them was seen dropping a bucket part-filled with set concrete which narrowly missed a member of staff from one of the shops."
He said on the same evening teenagers were caught throwing pine cones at shop fronts which smashed at least one window. Shopkeepers also complained of a tirade of verbal abuse hurled at them during the confrontation.
"Most of the youths ran off when police arrived but as a result of follow-up enquiries we have arrested a 16-year-old man on suspicion of public order offences," added Insp Fallows.
"Other arrests are planned."
The stand-off between teenagers, some as young as 14, and shop staff comes after a public dispersal order which granted police special powers to disperse groups of more than two ran out in the summer.
The six-month order was granted in November 2007 after a campaign by residents and traders in Abbotswood Shopping Centre who were fed up with groups of teenagers terrorising the neighbourhood.
It meant police could move on anybody causing trouble within a zone which included some parts of Rodford Way, Fountain Court, St Nicholas' Church and the community centre.
Shop owners told the Gazette there were few problems when the order was in place, however, since it elapsed the trouble has started again.
"We have reacted quickly and firmly to this latest incident," said Insp Fallows.
"High visibility patrols are being conducted and we would ask that parents in the locality know where there children are and what they are up to. "
He said any youngsters caught misbehaving would be arrested if necessary and police would arrange interviews with their parents.
He added: "If anybody has any information at all on any on the incidents or offenders last Tuesday night please contact police."
Call the police on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
* The 16-year-old man arrested has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk