A Lancashire shop is asking police to do more to address anti-social behaviour in the area after stock was stolen and staff members assaulted.

Geek Retreat, In Friargate, Preston, and sells games, comic boys and “all things geeky”.

There is also a café on site, which sells milkshakes and burgers, and is described as a  "unique space dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for customers to enjoy their hobbies".

General manager, Matt Laing, says their shop, which opened in June, is coming under threat after a rise in anti-social behaviour.

Staff say they are “shocked and appalled” by the number of police incidents that have taken place on Friargate, impacting their store and a number of other neighbouring retailers and hospitality venues.

Last month, Matt said a group of young people entered Geek Retreat and stole £400 worth of stock.

They were then said to have returned again in the evening, assaulted a member of staff who is a wheelchair user, intimidated staff and stole the keys which were later recovered.

Matt said: “The safety of our staff and customers is of the upmost importance and we are working hard to install further preventative measures to keep them protected. 

“The heart of our business is providing safe and inclusive spaces for our customers to feel like they belong - we will continue to work hard to provide this lifeblood service for our loyal communities.”

The shop is now working with the police to address the anti-social behaviour and have arranged a ‘coffee with a copper’ meeting at the store on November 10,

The business, which has another branch on Church Street in Blackburn, is appealing for greater support for local businesses, high street staff and local communities who wish to enjoy the city centre without the threat of intimidation and violence.

They are hoping that a greater focus on patrolling anti-social behaviour in crime hotspots in the town will bring much-needed focus on restoring community safety.

Preston neighbourhood policing inspector Bernie Coburn said they are “aware of the incidents” and working with Geek Retreat to tackle the issue.

They said: “We are aware of the incidents and we are working closely with our partners and Geek Retreat to tackle the long-term problems of anti-social behaviour.

"We are doing this through a number of targeted operations and increasing patrols in hotspot areas.

“We understand that ASB can have a profound impact on victims. We do not tolerate it, and we will continue to do what we can to mitigate it in the local area.”