A COMMUNITY which has been blighted by antisocial behaviour is now seeing staff at nearby stores question their safety as vandals continue to target businesses.

There are continued reports of thefts in stores at the Laithes Lane Shopping Centre, just off Wakefield Road.

Incidents described include balaclava-clad individuals heading into the nearby Co-op, Greggs and Home Farm Bakery, shoplifting things like cans of pop or packs of bread cakes.

The news comes only one week after Stagecoach announced they may have to pull the number 11 service - which covers the area - following reports that a brick was thrown at one of the buses, ultimately smashing the window.

A bus shelter near the shopping centre has also been smashed, pushing local councillor Neil Wright to take a stand against the persistent problems that now trouble locals’ daily lives.

He told the Chronicle: “A lot of people in the ward enjoy these facilities - whether it’s using the bus services, or something as silly as getting a pasty.

“When we put reports into the police we want to see what’s happening, and then obviously get a response about what they can do for us.

“My understanding is people are heading in and pinching small things - it’s actually quite scary for the staff, especially when they’re coming in dressed in balaclavas.

“What we can do as councillors is reach out to the parents of these children and ask them to intervene, to chastise their children and educate them.

“This is not where we want to be as a community.”

Similar incidents in Thurnscoe in 2022 and 2023 saw Stagecoach ultimately pull services from the area, and Coun Wright along with residents hope to put a stop to the growing problem before it reaches this point.

Inspector Richard Mangham, who heads up the Barnsley North East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are aware of reports of antisocial behaviour in the Wakefield Road area of Athersley.

“We know this has a real impact on how people feel when out and about in their communities.

“We continue to deploy a range of measures through our policing team’s officers to tackle the issues raised including proactive patrols and further work with partner agencies.

“We appreciate there is always more work to be done and we cannot become complacent.

“Therefore, we ask people to continue to raise their concerns to us, so we can build up a full picture of the issues in the area and identify patterns of offending.

“You can report incidents via 101, or online via our reporting portal.”

A spokesperson for the Co-op blasted those responsible.

“Safety and security is our priority and Co-op is committed to investing to create safer communities which can thrive and prosper,” they added.

“Antisocial behaviour in the community should not be part of the job for any retailer, and shop theft is known to contribute to unacceptable abuse and attacks towards shopworkers.

“Nationally, the Co-op’s own crime levels are below the retail average, and it is committed to working closely with local policing, and investing in a wide range of preventative measures across its store estate.”