POLICE are considering taking out ASBOs against five 16-year-olds who persist in targeting a newsagent and off-licence store in Meadowcroft, Upper Stratton.
Shopkeeper Suketu Patel says the yobs are ruining his trade by driving customers away.
He claims customers are too afraid to come into the Meadowcroft Express store in the evenings, when the teenagers gather outside.
He also claims the police are sometimes slow to respond, although the force says it has to prioritise calls.
Mr Patel, 45, said: "I would welcome such an order. These youths are giving grief not just to me, but to everyone. People are getting frightened away, something needs to be done."
Police are planning a crackdown. Inspector Bill Halsey said officers were currently gathering evidence with a view to applying for the orders.
As an initial step, officers have been speaking to the youths and their parents. But if the problems persist, they will press ahead with the ASBOs.
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