A GROUP of angry shopkeepers have met behind closed doors to discuss the on-going problem of vandalism.The parade of shops in Selkirk Road, Ipswich has become a regular target for vandals and businesses are becoming increasingly frustrated.

By Georgina James

A GROUP of angry shopkeepers have met behind closed doors to discuss the on-going problem of vandalism.

The parade of shops in Selkirk Road, Ipswich has become a regular target for vandals and businesses are becoming increasingly frustrated.

The latest incident occurred when four shops had their windows smashed.

The Co-op Foodstore, Janine Hair Fashions, E. Goodswen the butchers and the Newsagent all had their windows broken causing damage totalling over £3,000 last Friday around 11pm.

The shopkeepers, who did not wish to comment on the hooligans, met at the neighbouring pub, The Selkirk, to discuss preventative measures and to come up with a plan of action.

Inspector Andy Solomon said: "These windows were broken at approximately 11pm on Friday night.

"Considerable force was used to cause this damage and people living in this area must have heard something.

"We are appealing for anyone with information to contact us."

Anybody who has any information should call Pc Mark Jones at Ipswich police on 01473 613500 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

The area has been under the spotlight over the past few weeks after a spate of crime.

The sub post office in Selkirk Road had its windows smashed last month and it was only last week that a woman was threatened with a hammer in a raid on the post office.

At 6.20am on Monday, December 31, a man thought to be in his 30s, entered the Selkirk Road sub post office.

He locked the door and threatened a female member of staff with a hammer before stealing an undisclosed amount of cash and electricity cards.

The man described as white, around 6ft to 6ft 1ins tall, medium build and wearing a red hooded coat and black scarf.

Police are currently following up enquiries and are appealing for anybody who was in the area at the time to contact Dc Kevin Fenton at Ipswich CID on 01473 383133.