Trader locked himself in shop due to threats.

A toy shop proprietor who was forced to lock himself and a customer inside his store while threatened by a group outside has joined fellow business owners in calling for improved safety on the towns high street.

Barnaby Nockolds, owner of BarnDawg in Long Eaton, recounted being confronted by a group who yelled threats including, "We'll kill you, we'll destroy the shop, we'll smash your windows," after he requested that one of them return his advertising flag.

The following day, Jo Moody, from nearby Bethany Rose Bridal, witnessed two men engaged in a street fight lasting 45 minutes. Both shopkeepers said anti-social behaviour in the area is on the rise, prompting Derbyshire Police to increase patrols.

Threatening Incident at BarnDawg

On 24 November, Mr. Nockolds asked a man to return an advertising flag outside his Market Place shop. The man returned with five others who issued threats, prompting Mr. Nockolds to lock the doors with a customer inside. "They were rattling on the doors, trying to get some response from me," he said.

When Mr. Nockolds briefly unlocked the door to allow the customer to leave, the group became more agitated. "I was feeling very scared at that point and unable to get my signage back in," he explained. Police later arrived and dispersed the group, but Mr. Nockolds was informed that arrests could not be made. He expressed his concern about the escalating danger, noting past incidents of people urinating outside his shop and stealing expensive Lego sets.

Rising Anti-Social Behaviour in Long Eaton

Ms. Moody, whose bridal shop is also located in Market Place, confirmed the increasing problem. She described shielding a customer from a street fight and locking staff and clients inside until police arrived. "This is not an isolated incident; there seems to be more and more of it each week," she said.

On Thursday, 38 traders gathered to present their concerns to Erewash Borough Council and local police. They requested increased patrols and measures to prevent repeat offenders from entering the town centre. "It's making customers feel unsafe to come into the town, which is affecting foot traffic," Mr. Nockolds added.

Police and Council Response

Derbyshire Police confirmed awareness of ongoing issues in Long Eaton, stating they have dispersed groups when necessary. Sgt Gemma Bancroft of the Erewash Safer Neighbourhood Team said patrols have been intensified and will continue throughout the winter months to address anti-social behaviour.

Becca Everett, lead member for community engagement at Erewash Borough Council, assured that the council is committed to tackling disruptive behaviour. She emphasized collaboration with other agencies when incidents escalate or turn criminal.

Authorities have been contacted regarding Mr. Nockolds' claim that the threatening group could not be arrested. The local community continues to call for safer conditions for shoppers and traders alike.

Author: Sophia Brooks