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19
Mar
Yesterday, we heard traders concerns that anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are getting worse, but do the official statistics back these experiences?
Our Trading Hell survey showed that traders feel that incidents of shoplifting, drug misuse and general anti-social behaviour are far too common.
Traders also expressed a deep sense of frustration that not enough is being done to make our shopping streets the safe and pleasant places they used to be.
The Stray Ferret has examined official statistics for the “hotspot” areas identified in our survey.
It means that the true picture of just how much of an issue anti-social behaviour is in the town is unlikely to be reflected in the figures.
A rough sleeper outside Primark in Harrogate town centre.
According to a freedom of information request from North Yorkshire Council, last year three females and 27 males were counted as sleeping rough in the Harrogate town centre area.
The council said all except eight of those were provided with alternative accommodation.
It added that the rough sleeping count for each year “could represent the same people where accommodation has been secured and then lost”.
There have been flashpoints over the last couple of years where businesses and residents have complained of people sleeping rough causing issues in their area.
In November 2022, concern was raised over rough sleeping, street begging and drinking at the back of Primark on Oxford Street.
At the time, Harrogate Borough Council said three “entrenched, long-term” rough sleepers had been sleeping overnight in the area.
The authority sought to assure residents and businesses that those gathering in the area had been offered accommodation, but was turned down. Those gathered there later accepted support.
Similarly, in November 2023, North Yorkshire Council erected fencing at a pavilion at Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens after rough sleepers occupied the area and returned twice after being dispersed.
The Stray Ferret followed the saga closely after nearby residents, who complained of anti-social behaviour during the group’s encampment. Many sympathised with the rough sleepers but wanted to know what long-term measures would be put in place on the site.
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