Groups of teenagers have been causing weekends of 'chaos' at Manchester's Arndale shopping centre.
Police have been a constant presence outside the indoor mall over recent weeks, as 'organised meetups' between young people resulted in shoppers being threatened and intimidated, with shops also seeing various items being stolen.
So far, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that anti-robbery officers from the force have arrested 17 people as part of their specialist operations in the city centre.
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It comes just weeks after shoppers in nearby M&S and Selfridges were evacuated, and glass doors to the Arndale centre were smashed.
And three teenagers were also arrested after they descended on the Arndale's NEXT store in January, which resulted in the stabbing of a 16-year-old boy.
Police confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that they are 'aware' of groups of young people congregating and causing concern and have deployed more officers to the centre in a bid to tackle the issues.
Chief Inspector Wignall, from City of Manchester division, said: "We're aware of groups of young people congregating, predominantly on weekends, at the Arndale Centre in the city centre over recent weeks including a small number of incidents causing concern.
"There have been reports of young people disrupting shoppers in and near the shopping centre during this time and extra officers have been deployed to work alongside partners including staff in the centre to disperse individuals and speak with those causing issues.
"A number of dispersal orders have been put in place in January and February. Following a serious assault at a store in the centre and a report of disorder both in January, officers from our anti-robbery team (Operation Valiant) have arrested 17 people who have all been bailed with conditions not to be in the city centre whilst enquiries continue.
"We're continuing to work with our partners to tackle the issue and would like to reassure nearby residents, and visitors to the city centre, that we'll continue to deploy extra officers and deal with those involved appropriately."
And the Manchester Arndale centre has acknowledged the stream of problems and have vowed that security teams are on hand to ensure it remains a safe place for all, as staff continue to work closely with local police.
David Allinson, Centre Director for Manchester Arndale, told the M.E.N: “We would like to reassure everyone that safety and security is our number one priority at Manchester Arndale, and we have a close working relationship with Greater Manchester Police, our retailers and other partners in the city centre to try and prevent incidents of anti-social behaviour from occurring.
“Our security team is well placed to respond swiftly to issues that arise and we continually review our systems and patrols so that shoppers and staff feel safe.
“We urge everyone who visits Manchester Arndale to respect fellow customers and staff to ensure the centre is a welcoming place for all.”
When the Manchester Evening News visited the Arndale centre last weekend (February 27), there was a large police presence on the steps outside the centre, at Exchange Square.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council spokesperson for the city centre was clear in his message - "We must stop the Arndale being used as a super youth club on weekends."
He vowed that the council would remain in touch with local police and the Arndale centre to make sure shoppers can visit safely.
He said: "I have been very disturbed to see these groups of youths at the weekend organising meet ups and trying to turn the Arndale centre into some super youth club with no regard for people shopping.
"The council will meet with the Arndale management and the police to see how we can make sure that these disturbances are put to a stop.
"It is important that the police are seen to pull out offenders and get the message across that they can't show up and intimidate people at a public shopping mall.
"Manchester is trying to get back on its feet economically after the pandemic, and this is the last thing we need stopping people from wanting to come out to our great city. My focus is on the shop workers, many of which are young people and have to cope with this nonsense.
"We do not need these groups of teenagers just causing chaos and havoc. We must work harder to put a stop to it."
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