A YORK shopkeeper has vowed to take the law into his own hands after being repeatedly targeted by alleged homeless people.

Daniel Fitzpatrick, 28, who runs Leeman Stores, in Salisbury Terrace, with his mother, Margaret, says the brazen thieves walk in and steal beer "without a care in the world".

He claims the shop has been hit three times in the last week by street drinkers who say they are from the nearby Arc Light homeless hostel.

Mr Fitzpatrick says he may have to physically eject them from the premises if it continues.

"It all started when I refused to serve two of them alcohol because they were so drunk," said Mr Fitzpatrick.

"They started coming in after that when my mum was on and took cans of lager without even trying to hide them.

"If the police won't do anything to stop it I'm going to have to sort it out myself. I can't afford to be robbed like this."

Mrs Fitzpatrick, 52, says it is like a "supermarket sweep" when the culprits enter the shop.

"It's all about who can get the most the quickest," she said.

"I told them we would ring the police and they just laughed in my face.

"I asked one of the thieves if they were from the Arc Light Centre and he said 'yes'.

"I think they see the place as a safe haven."

Mrs Fitzpatrick says the thieves have caused staff members to leave and are frightening away genuine customers.

"Most of the people who come in here are lovely," she said.

"It's beyond a joke."

The Fitzpatricks say they visited the Arc Light Centre to try to sort out the problem, but claim no one came to the door. They have since met the centre's project director, Jeremy Jones, to discuss the issues.

Mr Jones said today: "This was only brought to my attention yesterday evening. This is clearly a matter for the police and it has always been our policy to co-operate fully with them on matters of crime and disorder."

A spokesman for York Police said they were investigating the incidents and officers had been to the shop.

Updated: 10:57 Friday, December 12, 2003