Youth Disorder Disrupts Wigan Town Centre Businesses
Business owners in Wigan town centre have reported significant distress caused by groups of young people engaging in vandalism and street fighting.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated that some of the youths involved are as young as 12 years old and have implemented two dispersal orders in Wigan within the past six months to address the issue.
Aaron Manders, proprietor of the Evolution Trading Cards store located in Jaxon's Court, described the behaviour of the teenagers:
"These teenagers abuse us, they fight each other, they threaten to fight us and make stupid Snapchat videos just to get a reaction out of us."
"We've reported it to the police but nothing's being done and if this continues there'll be nothing left of Wigan. It'll just be mob rule,"
said the 34-year-old business owner.
GMP indicated that approximately 50 local youths have been responsible for the anti-social behaviour, which has included racial abuse, particularly in Jaxon's Court near the Wigan bus station.
The police force has engaged with local schools and colleges to identify those involved, resulting in some students facing exclusion or suspension.
Dispersal orders empower police to require individuals engaging in anti-social behaviour to leave a designated area for up to 48 hours. Failure to comply can lead to arrest, fines up to £2,500, or imprisonment for up to three months.
Sgt Jonathan Calder, the neighbourhood police sergeant for the town centre, commented on the use of dispersal orders:
"Dispersal orders are something we don't use lightly because they infringe on human rights but we also have to consider the human rights of the people being affected.
"We can't continue allowing youths to roam the streets and just cause chaos."
Impact on Local Businesses
Ifeanyi Chukwu, who operates the Peerless convenience store and off-licence near the bus station, reported ongoing issues with shoplifting and premeditated theft:
"We've had members of staff going after shoplifters and you can tell it's something which is pre-planned."
"They've damaged our front door so more needs to be done to protect small businesses in our area."
Nicola Hamill, bar manager at the Tap and Barrell in Jaxon's Court, described the disruptive behaviour occurring outside her establishment:
"The children hang around outside my bar, climbing on my benches, swearing and fighting with each other.
"As soon as the police come, they go away but then they come back.
"One of my customers went outside and told them to move away, so they launched a brick through the window and a 70-year-old gentleman suffered cuts to his face."
Police and Community Response
Despite these incidents, Greater Manchester Police reported an overall 1.5% reduction in recorded crime across Wigan in 2025, equating to 489 fewer recorded incidents.
A spokeswoman for Wigan & Leigh College stated that disciplinary measures have been taken against students involved in trouble on rare occasions:
"We actively promote social responsibility and active citizenship with our students and hold high expectations for how they conduct themselves both in college and in the wider community."
