Traders call for anti-drug blitz

They claim their businesses are suffering from shoplifting and criminal damage by drug addicts.

With local councillors, they are also demanding closer co-operation between the police, housing agencies and South Oxfordshire District Council to clamp down on the problem.

The police and local authorities say they are doing what they can.

But seven shopkeepers have joined forces to publicise the problem they have with people stealing, intimidating members of staff and discouraging customers.

They all wanted to stay anonymous for fear of retribution.

One said: "Having my name in the paper would lead to speedy retaliation by these people and I do not want my windows smashed and filth left on my doorstep.

"We complain to police and nothing is done. We're fed up with the whole situation."

Complaints have been aired at meetings held to debate crime in the town. Wallingford mayor Nigel Moor said: "We're well aware of the problems and are trying to do something about them."

Town and district councillor Denis Strange said: "We have a lot of problems in Wallingford with drugs and drunks.

"I've been heavily involved in jobs like collecting used needles and paraphernalia from parks, gardens and churchyards.

"We need a lot more co-operation between the various authorities to try to stamp this out, or at least to contain it."

Thames Valley Police area commander Chief Supt Katherine Govier said local police had spoken to the people known to be involved.

Helen Scullard, head of housing at the district council which nominates tenants from the housing list, said there was already close liaison between housing agencies.

She said: "People who are known to have drugs problems are only nominated to tenancies if they are receiving support or treatment.

"Extra care is taken not to nominate them near other people who are known to have similar problems.

"If housing tenancies are breached, the housing associations will take action and could end the tenancy."