Sponsored by
Store rocks yobs with classics
A SUPERMARKET chain has turned to the classics in a bid to stop gangs of yobs hanging outside.
Co-op's Wheatley Hill branch is playing classical music at the front of the store to keep potential troublemakers from intimidating customers and staff.
External speakers were installed last month at the shop, which is one of 14 stores throughout the North-East that is taking part in the scheme.
Staff can turn on the music when they see gangs of youths outside and organisers hope the sounds of Bach and Mozart will deter them from gathering on the premises.
"We have selected various sites across the North-East based on the levels of crime incidents that have been reported to us," said regional loss prevention manager Steve Hogarth.
"It is mostly easy listening music that we are playing such as Bach, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and Mozart. It is a novel concept, but it does work and does move people on."
"The feedback from staff has been very positive because they can decide when to turn the music on to disperse the groups."
The project followed a successful pilot scheme at a store in Cockfield, County Durham, where reports of troublemakers were drastically reduced.
More stores can be included in the crackdown if they experience a particular problem with anti-social behaviour.
Wheatley Hill's branch, on Quillstile Road, has suffered from youths drawing graffiti on the front of the shop.
"The fact that youths hang outside the store is not a crime in itself, but the perception among staff and customers is that it is intimidating," added Steve.
"It seems to make it a 'less cool' place to hang out if there is classical music playing."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Hartlepool
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
