Rising crime levels in Neath town centre have prompted calls for immediate action to be taken after another business had its windows smashed and money and equipment stolen.

Emir’s Salon on Angel Street is the latest business to have been attacked by criminals in the past few weeks.

“It’s terrible,” said salon owner Mehmet Haskan.

“This is our place of work and it’s unfair  to expect us to work under such conditions.  Neither is it fair on our cusomers nor those living in the area."

Mehmet lost a full day’s trading on Monday following the attack and is now having to pay excess for the glass which was damaged.

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“But this wasn’t just a one-off,” she continued. “Incidents like this have increased in the past few weeks, affecting other businesses and making residents feel unsafe in their own town.

“Action needs to be taken to prevent these things from happening.”

Residents are now calling for more CCTC cameras to be installed throughout the town centre plus a grater interaction between police and local businesses .

“This will hopefully help them get to grips with the increasing problem of anti-social behaviour,” she said.

Mehmet Haskan’s plea has been endorsed by Plaid Cymru MS Sioned Williams.

“The police have confirmed that there has been an increase in youth-related incidents of both crime and anti-social behaviour in Neath town centre, but state they have limited evidence,” she said.

“This supports the business owners calls for better CCTV coverage and more regular patrols. There have also been long delays before the police are able to respond to reported incidents.

“Action needs to be taken urgently by both the police and the local authority to ensure our local businesses are supported and that their trade isn’t affected. All agencies must work together to ensure Neath remains a thriving, lively and safe town centre.”

Sioned Williams has now agreed to follow up the issue with the police and Neath Port Talbot Council.