Kwik Vape in Worthing sets up barrier to prevent theft

Kwik Vape in Tarring Road, Worthing, has been targeted on several occasions and had its window smashed with a metal bar in February.

The shop has faced a spate of crime since October last year which has led frustrated owner Simon Lawrence, 47, to call for the “farcical legal system” to punish prolific offending children.

He has now taken matters into his own hands to try and prevent his shop from being ransacked in the future with a £700 barrier.

It comes as we revealed a 'wanted' style poster created by police of 30 children known to authorities.

On the poster were brothers George and Archie Tilley who almost killed Worthing dad Alan Willson in a brutal attack at the town's Longcroft park last year.

The barrier is also due to be fitted with glass panels

Simon told The Argus: “One day they threatened to come at me with a knife, my colleague called the police.

“I think they’re trying to get someone to whack them which I wouldn’t do.

“It was pretty much every other day, all hours of the day.

“We were all kids once but what they’ve been up to is beyond mischief.

“I wasn’t an angel but we only played knock down ginger as kids.

“If they step foot in my shop now, they’re manhandled out.

"Recently, some of them have stayed away. We have CCTV that is really clear so we see them before they even get to the front door. We usher them out.

Inside Kwik Vape

“I won’t let these kids push me out of this shop. I can’t really put into words how angry I am at the inaction of the police and courts."

Simon said the spate of youth crime has got worse in his shop alongside the growing popularity of disposable vapes.

In February, youths targeted a Co-op on the same road, as well as Simon’s shop.

The alleged offences include spitting at shopworkers and criminal damage.

Simon’s shop window was smashed with a metal pole and he claims fizzy drinks were sprayed on the store’s electrical equipment.

The shop's window was smashed in February

A 14-year-old boy was arrested and released under investigation.

The boy has now been charged with two counts of assault and one count of criminal damage. He is due to stand trial on December 12.

Another incident saw three girls come in before dispersing around the shop and stealing several items.

Simon reported the incident, which happened at around 3.40pm on December 5 last year

He says this is a big reason why he has the barrier up now.

CCTV from an incident on July 7 where Simon ushered children out of his shop before his barrier was set up

On July 7, CCTV seen by The Argus shows Simon ushering children out from his shop, which is only allowed to serve people aged 18 or over.

He added: “There is a financial impact but a mental impact too, you’re constantly on edge.

“I have been facing crime for months. As far as I’m concerned, the level of crime these kids have been allowed to get to, they have to lose their right to anonymity.

“My view is that the legal system has blood on its hands, it could have done so much more before the Alan Willson incident.”

On Monday, we revealed how a family-owned hardware store in Durrington could close due to youth crime.

Sussex Police have been approached for comment.