Leicester Golden Mile traders plead for help to tackle 'crime rise'

Police say they have "regular active patrols" along the Golden Mile

Businesses on one of Leicester's most famous shopping streets want more police help to tackle crime.

Owners of shops on the Golden Mile say they have been plagued by burglaries, snatch thieves and aggressive begging.

The fear of crime is deterring customers and leaving some shops considering their future, they said.

The area's police sergeant told the BBC they had "regular active patrols" and he encouraged traders to report crimes to them.

However, traders believe there is not enough of a police presence.

Karan Modha had an attempted break-in at Anokhi House of Sarees

Karan Modha, who runs Anokhi Sarees, said: "I can't remember the last time I saw a police officer even come and say hello to the businesses here.

"Either police officers or PCSOs being around would reassure customers and make us feel as though we were at least cared about.

"We would like more police presence, especially now as the afternoons are so dark."

Mr Modha said customers had reported having gold jewellery snatched off them by men on bicycles as well as feeling intimidated by people begging for money.

"Just a few months ago we had a spate of robberies of businesses being broken into," he said.

"They attempted to break into my business and from that our insurance premiums doubled and we were told to install more shutters on our windows.

"We cannot do that as our window is where we display our dresses."

Recorded crime statistics suggest that burglaries, robbers and shoplifting increased between the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23.

However, offences are not always reported to police, and statistics could also have been skewed by the Covid lockdown.

Rakhi Mistry, Leicestershire Police's sergeant for the Belgrave area, said they were already doing a lot to support businesses in the area.

"We have regular proactive patrols in the Belgrave Road area and, alongside partner agencies, we continue to work with traders in the area," he said.

"This includes carrying out proactive multi-agency operations such as one held [on Thursday] in the area which focused on tackling street drinking.

"This was carried out in response to concerns raised to help keep the area safe while also ensuring the appropriate support is provided to people where required."

He said an investigation had also been carried out into a report of jewellery snatching in the area.

"This week, a man was arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with the report," said Sgt Mistry.

"He has since been released on police bail and has been issued with an order not to enter the area."

Pradeep Popat said customers were deterred by beggars

Pradeep Popat, who runs Mirch Masala Restaurant, said there was a problem with people asking for money "nearly every other day".

"When they are knocking on your window it sort of scares you, especially for women on their own," he said.

"There are more beggars on the street, there are more people taking drugs around here, there are people hanging around.

"This is not helpful for the customers, it deters them coming here."

Indy Kooner, owner of Mor Foods, said he and neighbouring shops had been targeted by gangs which used lookouts while snatching goods.

"The police need to present themselves more, show us who they are; if an issue arises, we need to know they are available," he said.

"We got one guy stealing and it took police so long to come, like 10 minutes, that he got away."

He added: "We are finding it difficult to sustain ourselves.

"With the rise in costs, it is difficult to keep on top of it and we are facing the predicament of 'is it sustainable?'"

Indy Kooner wonders if his business is sustainable