Wilkos was ‘raided DAILY’ in town plagued by shoplifters who would blatantly walk out of store with stolen items

PEOPLE living in a town plagued by shoplifters have said Wilkos closed after being "raided daily" with thieves blatantly walking out with stolen items.

Fed-up neighbours living in Sandwell said they face rowdiness, harassment and drug dealing on a daily basis.

The Great Bridge area of Tipton was once home to busy foundries and vibrant factories in the beating heart of the Black Country.

But residents said the town has gone downhill and is now a hotspot of shop break-ins and anti-social behaviour.

Dean Marks, who runs Greenhills Funeral Directors, said: "There's a hell of a lot of problem with shoplifting.

"Wilkos has just closed down but they had major problems with shoplifting there - people just blatantly walked in and out with stuff."

On top of the constant raids, locals said their high street is now a rough area - with anti-social locals spitting on shop owners.

Mr Marks fumed: "Anti-social behaviour in Great Bridge is a problem. There is a lot of homelessness and rough sleepers in Great Bridge.

"Just after we opened, we had one particular incident where a customer came in to book her late husband's funeral.

"One of the anti-social-behaviour people decided he would spit, so as she went along the high street on her way to us he spat all over her."

Locals said they are living in fear and feel vulnerable to potential thieves.

Another business owner said some customers use his shop to deposit and withdraw money - but are afraid they could get robbed if they have cash on hand.

He said: "In terms of nuisance, I don't really see it but it can be a pain in terms of customers getting harassed for money.

"I do believe there are certain elderly customers that feel uncomfortable and a lot of them come inside rather than using the ATM outside.

"It suggests the fact that there may be someone behind them or that element of harassment."

Residents slammed the council and claimed the issues "aren't getting looked after".

One man who worked at a hardware shop on the high street said the police has taken no action.

He said: "If we get broken into, nothing happens. They have smashed through our roof before."

Cops have now launched a special operation to tackle criminal activities in the area.

Under Operation Eternity police have sent extra patrols and Sandwell Council’s youth services have recently started educational sessions in Great Bridge.

A new officer will work this week patrolling the area and engaging with businesses and communities.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, said: "I am committed to preventing, tackling and reducing anti-social behaviour.

"Whether that be by way of prevention, early intervention, diversion and addressing the underlying causes, to prevent it happening in the first place, or if necessary, by way of robust enforcement."

A Sandwell Council spokesperson added: "We are focusing on engagement with those responsible for ASB in an effort to divert potential criminal behaviour.

"Working together, the police, housing services and environmental protection officers, as well as partners such as Cranstoun (drug and alcohol support services), are already addressing issues in the area, and the pilot scheme will add to this."