Holywell: Anti-social behaviour a 'serious problem' at Tesco store

In recent times, the Holywell superstore has become a hub of anti-social behaviour - and local residents have had enough.

Last week, a group of youths reportedly climbed on top of a Tesco HGV - with its driver inside at the time, as well as numerous other reports of them climbing on the store's roof.

One Holywell Tesco employee said: "Tesco is constantly ringing the police and nothing gets done.

"I work there and it’s so bad - it’s every night; thieving, being verbally abused and even getting spat at and things being chucked at us as well."

Tesco has said it is working "closely" with the police to tackle the problem at its Holywell store.

North Wales Police has been issuing recent statements on the anti-social behaviour that is blighting the town, saying it won't be tolerated - with several arrests recently made in connection with the issues.

But people want more to be done to deal with the problem.

One person took to social media to say: "This is a serious problem, someone is going to get hurt, god forbid.

"North Wales Police really need to step it up everyday or night, I will not even let my boys go to the skate park anymore.

"It's just not fair on anybody, surely they've got enough evidence on this gang of youths to be doing something and not absolutely nothing - it's a disgrace.

"Enough is enough, how much can people take?"

Another person added: "So much for North Wales Police supposedly dealing with the problem, this has been going on for months now - it’s beyond a joke."

A spokesperson for Tesco said: “In recent weeks we have experienced a rise in incidents of anti-social behaviour in and around our Holywell store, and we are working closely with the police locally to tackle the problem.”

North Wales Police said: "We are currently dealing with an increased number of anti-social behaviour reports in Holywell town centre.

"As a force, we take incidents of this nature extremely seriously and recognise the damage it can cause within communities.

"In recent weeks we have seen an escalation of youth-related ASB in the town, with further reports of youths involved in shoplifting and public order offences.

"Our officers have stepped up patrols in problem areas and we have worked extensively with partner agencies to identify those involved."

Inspector Stephen Roberts added: "We have already dealt with a significant number of these young offenders, and will continue to deal robustly with anyone found to be involved with ASB or more serious offences in this area.

“Our enquiries into a number of other reports remain ongoing and officers are compiling evidence to identify and deal with those involved.

"Groups of youths congregating within the town and who are involved within nuisance or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

"All of those who are identified will be dealt with robustly; banning orders will be issued, behaviour contracts enforced, and where crimes have been identified the offenders will be prosecuted.

"My message to parents within the district is to please consider where your sons and daughters are, who they are spending time with, and what they are doing when they are out of the home."