Keighley MP Kris Hopkins condemns ‘mindless’ yobs who attacked town centre shops (From Keighley News)

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins condemns ‘mindless’ yobs who attacked town centre shops

2:00pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By Keighley News reporter

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins has condemned “mindless” yobs who caused damage costing hundreds of pounds to repair during an early-morning attack on town centre businesses.

Windows and doors were targeted at up to eight premises in Cavendish Street, North Street, Hanover Street, Low Street and Cooke Street on Saturday.

Shattered glass was still evident this week at several shops, offices and cafes.

Mr Hopkins said: “Such wanton disregard for the property of others is simply unacceptable, and I share the sense of outrage felt in the town in the wake of these attacks.

“Given the economic difficulties we continue to face, these mindless attempts to wreck and ruin local businesses are the last thing Keighley needs.”

Among those affected was Rossi’s Cafe in Cavendish Street, where a pane of glass in the door was damaged. Owner Brian Watkiss lives above the premises and was alerted at about 4am.

“I heard shouting and carrying on and saw a police car across the road but didn’t think it was anything to do with us,” he said.

“It wasn’t until a little later I discovered the cafe door had been damaged. It’s annoying but it could have been a lot worse.”

Also hit were the neighbouring offices of Makin Dixon Solicitors, where a large window was shattered and a door attacked.

Other businesses affected included the Beauty Zone, on the opposite side of Cavendish Street, which had a window broken.

Police have arrested a 19-year-old Keighley man on suspicion of criminal damage. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.

Sergeant Stephanie Fox, from Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said officers are working with businesses to tackle incidents of damage and anti-social behaviour, and that offenders will “face the consequences”.

She said the team carries out regular patrols in the town centre and was committed to making the streets safer.