AN ANGRY York trader fears the future of his business is at stake after vandals targeted his store twice within the space of a week.

Neil Griffin, who runs Clifton Hardware, suffered a broken window last week after youths went on the rampage with baseball bats.

But vandals struck again in the early hours of Saturday, smashing his window, a nearby phone box and several car wing mirrors.

"I'm extremely annoyed," he said.

"I feel like locking up the shop and walking away right now.

"I just can't afford to keep paying money out like this."

Mr Griffin, who has reported the attacks to the police, said he believed those responsible for the second attack were either bored youths or drunks on the way home from a night out.

He says his shop is an easy target as it is next to a dark alley, which offers an easy escape route.

"I would like to see more patrols in the area and/or CCTV cameras installed," Mr Griffin said.

"My theory is that prevention is better than the cure.

"It now puts into question whether my insurance company will continue to offer cover. If they refuse I will probably sell up. The profits are minimal in a business like mine and I could not afford the £300 each time a window is smashed."

A York police spokeswoman confirmed to the Evening Press that another window had been smashed at Mr Griffin's store and said they were investigating the incident.

Last week police confirmed 17 incidents had been reported in the Clifton area. Reports included smashed windows at properties in Grosvenor Terrace and Lumley Road, damage to a garden and pond in Burrill Avenue, damage to a car parked in Avenue Terrace and a damaged office window in Avenue Road.

Updated: 10:53 Monday, September 06, 2004