A spate of youth anti-social behaviour in Lancaster city centre has included the theft of a bar's tips jar, vandalism, verbal abuse and staff being spat at.
A number of businesses have reported incidents over the past few days, including All Hopes No Promises bar on Market Street.
They posted CCTV footage showing two boys running out of the bar with the staff's tips jar, on Wednesday.
David Waddington, owner of Miogelato gelato cafe on New Street, also said youths had kicked over street furniture outside his shop and Journey Social cafe next door on Wednesday afternoon.
A staff member at Tabletop Republic adventure gaming shop on Damside Street, near Lancaster Bus Station, also contacted us to say a colleague had been verbally abused and spat on by youths on Wednesday evening. He said they also threatened to put a brick through the window.
On September 26, there was also an incident at Big Lakes Tattoo at Sir Simons Arcade, which was vandalised and three youths attempted to break in.
After the theft at the All Hopes No Promises pub, a post on their social media said: "Those tips belong to hardworking members of staff.
"Taking them isn’t a prank or a laugh, it’s stealing!
"And a little tip for the parents, please have a serious word with your kids. Do you want them growing up thinking stealing is acceptable, getting themselves into more serious trouble and potentially ending up with a criminal record before they’ve even properly started their adult lives?
"We’d rather see them learn from it now than watch things get worse.
"We work hard for what we have, and so do our staff. Keep your hands off what doesn’t belong to you."
A further post said: "We’ve also been told by so many people that these two lads have allegedly been causing a lot of trouble around town, with other businesses suffering damage and members of the public being subjected to abuse.
"Nobody should have to put up with abuse, intimidation or damage to their business!
"I’ve read so many comments, with some people saying it’s down to the parents. But personally, I’m not here to judge anyone, not even the two lads involved. At the end of the day, they’re still young!
"I was young once myself, and I know how easily getting involved with the wrong crowd can lead you down the wrong path. Sometimes all it takes is the wrong influence and a few stupid decisions.
"Unfortunately, I do feel the system is letting a lot of young people down. There’s very little discipline or accountability these days, but at the same time, we’ve seen cuts to youth services, community centres and places where young people can go and do something positive.
"Years ago, things were different. You can’t go around giving kids a slap, nor should you, but there needs to be some form of consequence, guidance and support before silly behaviour turns into something much more serious.
"What we’d really like is for these two lads to understand the impact of their actions.
"We don’t want to ruin their futures,
"Ideally, we’d welcome the opportunity to have a calm conversation with them, with their parents or guardians involved, and explain why what they’re doing needs to stop.
"And we’d like a genuine apology. Not just to us and our hardworking staff, but to the other businesses and members of the public who’ve reportedly been affected by their behaviour.
"A few quid can be replaced. Damaged property can be repaired. But someone’s life or future is worth far more than that.
"Hopefully, these lads can learn from this, turn things around and make something positive of themselves.
"Again, thank you to everyone who’s shown support. It really does mean a lot to us and our team!"
The staff member at Tabletop Republic said: "It's beyond a joke.
"It's an ongoing issue, but very little seems to be getting done. Patrols need to be happening more often around the bus station and surrounding areas.
"These idiots harass people in the street, with racial, sexist and bigoted slurs being casually thrown around. It makes it not a safe space like Lancaster used to be."
Big Lakes Tattoo posted on social media to say:
"Luckily they failed to enter the property but have keyed our windows, tried to pick the locks, break the glass and lastly drawn on our windows.
Vandalism at Big Lakes Tattoo in Lancaster. Photo: Big Lakes Tattoo
"We are reaching out firstly to see if any other businesses were targeted on Saturday evening, but secondly we are trying to put names to the three youths involved.
"The police are involved, and are currently investigating the three faces we have on our CCTV, but we know these are local people. The police do also know that we have made this appeal to find out this information.
"Should you have any information regarding these three lovely boys please get in touch. It will be kept confidential or I will happily provide police log details if you do not wish to personally contact us.
"We have worked so hard over the years to create a beautiful unique tattoo studio or our clients to enjoy, and it’s such a shame to see locals destroy our hard work."
Beyond Radio has contacted Lancashire Police for comment.
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