How Betting Shops Divert Police Time

At a recent event, I fell into conversation with two very friendly local beat bobbies. One of them shared some striking information on the impact of betting shops on their job.

They said that there is a significant problem with disturbances caused by under-age gamblers in the betting shops on Wood Green High Street. I was told that the problem is so significant that their ability to spend time on the rest of their beat is severely compromised.

Apparently what happens is that these under age guys go in to the betting shops to gamble, often in gangs, and if they're challenged on their age they're liable to attack the staff or the premises. Just recently a staff member a the new Paddy Power near Wood Green tube was attacked with a street bin by some teenagers.

It would be difficult to think of a more troubling story. Here we have:

- efficacy of neighbourhood policing compromised (not the Met's fault)
- violence in a retail area
- vulnerable people being exploited.

What on earth else do the courts / does the Govt. need to act and change this terrible situation?