Shops in Leicester warned of 10-year-old thief
Hundreds of shops in Leicester have been warned to be on the lookout for a serial thief who is just 10 years old.
A photograph of the boy and his details have been circulated to more than 200 shops across Leicester because of the scale of his thieving.
The boy is part of a gang of older children which has been targeting shops in the city centre for several years, often causing disturbances to distract staff while one of them attempts to steal charity collection tins or tries to open the cash till.
Citywatch, the Neighbourhood Watch-style group for businesses, said its decision to include the boy and the other gang members in its latest alert to its members was "unprecedented".
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is understood to be known to social services and youth offending officers who are trying to bring him under control.
Citywatch intelligence officer Graham Collins said: "It's unprecedented for us to circulate details of a 10-year-old.
"Even though he's a juvenile his involvement in crime is significant enough for us to put the warning out.
"The gang are just a pain and we're letting the shops know about them."
Two of the gang were jailed in October for breaching anti-social behaviour orders which barred them from every shop in the city.
In recent weeks, the gang appears to have turned its attention to the Fosse Park and Thurmaston retail parks – which are both outside the area detailed on their Asbos.
The boy was detained at Fosse Park last week, allegedly carrying a hammer concealed in his trousers.
A Fosse Park shop manager said: "I understand he has only recently turned 10 but he's been known as a problem in the city centre for at least a couple of years.
"He has got to change his ways because the way he's going he's going to grow up to yo-yo in and out of prison."
A city centre shop manager, who also asked to remain anonymous, said: "Everyone knows who they are, including the young lad – who was nine when I first encountered him.
"I've not heard much about them in the city centre lately.
"They know that we all know who they are and that they will be told to leave virtually every shop they enter."
Police said they were aware of the gang and are liaising with the authorities which are attempting to bring the boy under control.
23 Comments
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by Jane, New Zealand (ex Leicester)
Wednesday, August 26 2009, 12:06PM
“If this child goes to court, I would like to see his parents in the dock with him, and to see them publicly shamed for not doing their job properly. The judge should actually use the words "Shame on you". If they are on a benefit, then they are being paid to be good parents, and are failing in their responsibilities. I know that some really good parents have children that just go bad, through being in a bad crowd, and I believe some people are born bad, I really do, but parents need to get their act together and take charge!”
by Andrew Myers, Leicester
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 2:19PM
“Ann Dringer
Assuming your comments are not tongue in cheek, there is far too much compassion in this country and nowhere near enough robust discipline - that is precisely why it is in such a mess!”
by VH, Leics
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 1:35PM
“'known to social services and youth offending officers'
This child has been seriously let down by the system and his parent/s. I hope he can be rehabilitated.”
by Ray Bidd, Leicester
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 1:02PM
“Am I the only one who think compulsory castration is the only option here?
It would prevent the little toerag from ever breeding (thus preventing the genes of this disgusting family from continuing), and also serve as a hell of a deterrent to others that are thinking of following this delinquent's example.”
by Ann Dringer, Leicester
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 12:51PM
“Let us not forget the poor little mite is only 10 years of age, and quite probably comes from a broken home.
if some of the beastliness below was replaced by a little compassion, the world would be a much lovelier place,”
by Jay, Leicester City
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 12:47PM
“I don't think rob has a master at all. mr smith has shown him up. The kid is well bad he should be ashamed.”
by Mr. Smith, Leicester
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 12:41PM
“rob, leicester - I hope the degree wasn't in English!? Try a big R in Rob for example.....Also big M for Master degree. Yes you have done well rob or Rob. As for the child he is the future of the country, we need to stop and think where are we all going?”
by Bea Phoo, leicester
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 12:40PM
“"I have a masters degree and earn over 60k a year."
Bet you nicked it.”
by rob, leicester
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 12:35PM
“Mr Smith....Your liberalisation that this child is from a one parent family is disgusting. I come from a one parent family And I assure you it has done me no harm. I have a masters degree and earn over 60k a year. It is people like you that are the moral downfall of our society always quick to make your own ill informed assumptions before actually knowing the facts.
I hope the 10 year old burgles you, as if you have as many belongings as you do ill informed opinions I am sure he could retire and dine off it for years.”
by sour grapes and sour cakes, Leicester
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 12:27PM
“the parents must be so proud, an ASBO at age 10, what next i wonder?”