Anti-social actions 'making life hell'

DOG snatchers appear to be operating on a Kidderminster estate after two incidents came to light on the same day.

A chihuahua, which slipped out of its owner's garden on the Foley Park estate on Saturday, was picked up and sold within two hours to a neighbour for £50.

Hours earlier a Staffordshire bull terrier puppy was stolen from its home - but the thieves walked straight into the owner as they made their getaway on foot down the street.

Both animals were reunited with their owners and Kidderminster police confirmed they are investigating allegations of theft of the chihuahua.

A 74-year-old grandmother from the estate said the dog snatches were the latest in a catalogue of crime and anti-social behaviour that was making life "hell" for decent people in the Lister Road area taking in Hamilton Road and part of Tomkinson Drive.

She said many residents were too frightened to speak out against the actions of a group of troublemakers, but urged them to stand together and report incidents to the police.

The pensioner, who the Shuttle/Times and News decided not to identify for fear she might suffer reprisals, said they had been allowed to cause problems for years by intimidating anyone who dare stand up to them.

She said the situation was getting steadily worse as the number of troublemakers grew generation by generation.

Recent incidents have included fences being kicked in, bricks pulled off garden walls and hurled at houses, flowers pulled up, garden ornaments stolen and cars damaged.

"It's so frightening up here," said the woman.

"It's time to stand up against these people, to talk to the police to stop them causing so much trouble.

"Perhaps this will help spur the people of Foley Park into action and give them some backbone."

Wyre Forest beat manager PC Dan Wood told the Shuttle/Times and News: "When complaints are received about quality of life issues, the police will take positive action against tenants and we work closely with our partners from Wyre Forest Community Housing and social services."