ANGRY traders in York are petitioning for extra police officers and security cameras to combat what they say has been a "massive increase" in youth crime.

Christopher Simpson, owner of Graham's fruit shop, started the petition among shop owners in Front Street, Acomb.

He claims the area has become swamped by abusive teenagers who cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, leave syringes around and threaten residents.

He said: "There has been a massive increase in crime over the last twelve months. I've had bins set alight with petrol and windows put through. Needles are left at the back of the shop along with empty bottles and beer cans.

"It's a waste of time telling the police. This petition can't do any harm."

Mr Simpson also claims he has been threatened with a knife.

He added that Boots the Chemist on Front Street may have to pay thousands of pounds after youths damaged their roof.

Mr Simpson intends to hand the 40-signature petition to York MP Hugh Bayley, the city council, the police and the Evening Press.

Jenny Vevers, shop worker at Paul Stride Footwear and Babywear on Front Street, has signed the petition.

She said: "We have lots of problems, with windows being broken and things being stolen. We've had toughened glass put in.

"There was an incident last Saturday night when a group of youths wouldn't let me get out of the car park. We shouldn't have to put up with this intimidation."

Patricia Fletcher, who owns Fletcher's Fabrics with her husband, said Front Street needed a greater police presence.

"The youths unnerve a lot of pensioners," she said.

Don Howard, who owns The Cakery, said he had to buy a £2,000 security shutter to prevent the youths smashing his windows.

He added that more than 40 youths often hang around outside his shop.

Inspector Ken Gill, a senior officer at Acomb police station, said they had not yet received the petition but were well aware of anti-social behaviour in Acomb.

He said: "Nuisance youths are a problem in the area and we are mounting operations to stem their activities. When we receive complaints we respond, but when staffing levels are as they are we can't always provide the support people would like. If there was the opportunity to get extra police officers then I would fully support that."

Insp Gill said the force is also in favour of CCTV cameras, but their installation was a matter for City of York Council. A spokesman for City of York Council said: "The council has operated CCTV successfully both in the city centre car parks and in the city centre itself. There are various ways in which the traders' concerns and calls for CCTV can be raised, including the neighbourhood forum, the Safer York partnership and of course the council itself."