The Co-op in Field Place Parade, Goring, has had a spate of incidents in the last few months.

Several shopkeepers in the area say problems have got worse since the beginning of this year.

The customer claims to have witnessed at least eight different incidents involving children at the Co-op and has taken pictures on two occasions.

Most recently he has seen youngsters "throwing shopping baskets", alcohol allegedly being stolen and several other items being taken on what is claimed to be a daily basis.

The Argus has been investigating crime in the Worthing area after claims of shoplifting from several businesses. Items taken include alcohol, vapes, a plasterboard saw and spray paint.

Two girls on July 15 allegedly stealing cider and other items from Co-op. The case has been dropped due to 'insufficient evidence'. Man in the centre is an innocent passer-by

This week we revealed how a wave of youth criminality in Worthing led transport police to create a 'wanted' style poster of 30 children to watch out for - dubbed the "West Coast Nominals".

Yesterday we told how a Budgens shop worker fought off a 14-year-old with a knife. And today we reveal how another shop has suffered from crime.

The Co-op customer, who lives in the Worthing area but asked not to be named, said the “rampant and crazy” behaviour is not being punished.

The child can be seen with a kitchen knife in a Budgens store in Boxgrove, Goring, on March 7

He said: “Children do not need much encouragement to worsen their behaviour if time and time again they just extend the ambit of their bad behaviour and they’re not thwarted.

“You will end up with children not responsible for their bad behaviour.

“I was in care as a child, I know the safest I ever felt was when I had rules and boundaries."

The shopper took a picture of what he said were two girls walking out of the Co-op with  items including a crate of cider on July 15.  The man in the centre of the picture, walking into the shop, is an innocent passerby.

The customer reported this incident to police. They said the investigation has been filed due to "insufficient evidence".

There was also another alleged shoplifting incident reported to police on July 19. 

The investigation into this incident is "ongoing".

A picture taken of children leaving the Co-op after allegedly shoplifting on July 19. The child on the right can be seen putting their middle finger up

There are concerns from shopkeepers and residents that justice is not being done.

The Co-op customer added: “They have no chance, this is rampant and crazy.

“Why have we not got Asbos? Why have we got no orders banning them from around here?"

Three boys arrested after "shopping baskets thrown" at staff

On Monday, August 1, children went into the Co-op and allegedly assaulted staff by "throwing shopping baskets".

The customer claims a shopworker had to take time off work as a result.

The Co-op said it was not able to release CCTV of the altercation but confirmed that there was an incident at the store "which led to police being called".

Sussex Police arrested three boys on suspicion of several offences including affray, robbery and common assault but all three have been bailed, pending further enquiries.

A force spokesman said: "Officers responded to a disturbance at a Co-op store in Field Place Parade, Worthing, between 1.30pm and 2.10pm on August 1.

"A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray, robbery, theft, criminal damage, and common assault.

"A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray, robbery, burglary, common assault and theft.

"A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray, robbery, assault by beating and theft."

The Co-op in Field Place Parade, Goring

“The impact on the community is horrendous, I’m so angry but also sympathetic to those kids," said the furious shopper.

“The fear for the wellbeing of the children and getting them trapped in the criminal justice system has to take secondary status to the fear of the people in the community that they’re terrorising.”

One staff member told The Argus they are so scared of going home by train, one stop away, they now pay around £9 extra for a taxi at the end of shifts.

On Sunday, July 24, a wheelie bin was set on fire in the loading area of the same Co-op which nearly spread to the flats above.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was "deliberate" and Sussex Police said enquiries for this are "ongoing".

During a visit to Durrington last month, The Argus witnessed a girl shoplifting her lunch from the same Co-op as staff watched, powerless. Staff are encouraged not to intervene in shoplifting incidents.

A wheelie bin fire was deemed deliberate by WSFRS. Right, the aftermath of the fire

Sussex Police said they continue to respond to “concerns regarding antisocial behaviour from a small group of young people in and around the Worthing locality”.

A Co-op spokesman said: “Retail crime, violence, abuse and antisocial behaviour affects all retailers, and should not be part of the job when shop workers are working hard to serve their communities.

“Co-op has successfully campaigned for stricter sentences for attacks against shopworkers.

“This sits alongside investment in the latest technologies such as body-worn cameras and SmartWater sprays which work to deter criminal behaviour, coupled with a close and collaborative relationship with business crime units and Sussex Police, designed to stop prolific offenders within the community that we serve.”

Vapes and alcohol have been allegedly stolen from the McColl's in the area

The Argus understands several other shops in the area have been targeted, including a McColl's convenience store 100 metres away which is alleged to have been targeted for alcohol and vapes in the past.

A spokeswoman for McColl’s said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers is of utmost importance.

"We are working closely with the relevant authorities."

Tomorrow: Read how children are causing terror to nearby businesses on the Worthing rail line all the way to Hove.