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A city centre shopping area has been dubbed the worst spot in the entire city for anti-social behaviour, latest crime stats can reveal.

Just minutes from the flagship Bullring and world's biggest Primark, it's a spot we've all been or at least walked by. But last year, The Square, located in the heart of trouble-hit Dale End, saw a shocking 98 incidents - a stat bigger than any other area in Birmingham.

The shopping centre, famed as a walkway to the well-known Oasis markets, has become synonymous with stabbings, fighting and gang violence in recent years.

Now recent crime stats from 2019 have placed it at the top spot for anti-social behaviour, which covers everything from begging and prostitution to street drinking and graffiti.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

The Square consists of around 20 shops, including big chains such as Greggs, Big Johns, Subway, DFC Chicken, Eat4Less and Shoe Zone. BirminghamLive previously revealed how drug dealing, robbery and violence were rife as the streets of Dale End were plagued by gang activity.

Shop keepers and taxi drivers both spoke of the problems troubling the area, sparked as hundreds of youths spill out into the streets from the bus terminus after school.

Speaking at the time, one bus passenger said: “You’re almost on edge all the time. You get blokes asking you for change every day, they’re in decent clothes too which I don’t get. Then the school kids can make it difficult.

"I try and zone out but it’s just constant carnage - the noise, the screams. You've got the drunks and the druggies milling around too - it's not good.”

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

A spokeswoman for Hammerson, which runs the Square, said: "We continue to work closely with the police with regards to anti-social behaviour across the wider city centre environment.

“There is no quick fix in tackling anti-social behaviour, which affects cities across the UK. Long-term collaboration between the local authority, police, retailers, city centre and charitable organisations and all owners and managers over many years is required to tackle this complex issue.

“Hammerson is working hard to bring forward plans to regenerate the Square Shopping Centre and adjacent car park, which were granted outline planning consent last week.

“The masterplan, known as Martineau Galleries, will transform the Dale End area into a new neighbourhood, creating a vibrant mixed-use destination. The plans will deliver high quality homes, workspace, restaurants, cafes and public realm, including a town square, boulevard and residential streets whilst supporting over 8,000 jobs and providing a significant boost to the city’s economy.”

The next worst area for anti-social behaviour was on or near the notorious Fold - a violence-stricken shopping area bedded in the city neighbourhood so impoverished it made the most deprived list twice.

Residents living in this part of Walker's Heath, Kings Norton, told how gangs ruled the streets around Bentmead Grove last year as figures for anti-social behaviour rocketed.

(Image: WMP)

Police recorded 70 incidents of anti-social behaviour on or near The Fold precinct. As the year was rocked by ASB, the man, who was too scared to be named, said: "Living here is like a living hell. The shops are a no-go.

"If I want to go there on my disability scooter I am a sitting duck for them. It doesn't matter who you are - you will be targeted.

"The area is being ruled by drugs gangs and gangs who order cars to be stolen to order. People around here are living in fear. I have been brought up tough but this place is something else now. And after dark it is an absolute no-go.

Reach Data Unit stats, extracted from Home Office police.uk stats, also revealed the third, fourth and fifth worst areas for anti-social behaviour.

The Square and The Fold were followed by 50 cases recorded on or near Martineau Place shopping centre - also in Dale End.

Morrison’s car park off of Harborne Road came fourth in the list with 47 incidents recorded on or near the area and 46 were recorded on or near the B4100 in Digbeth.