Beleaguered businesses in Lower Morden say they face losing their livelihoods because customers are too terrified to leave their homes, following a spate of violent and drunken attacks involving teenage gangs.

Virtually every outlet in the parade of shops in Grand Drive has been besieged by the gangs whose ages vary from about nine to 16 or 17 and they believe the problem is getting worse as the dark winter nights draw in.

Shopkeepers say the gangs congregate in the area every night and the attacks vary from verbal abuse and torment to shoplifting, vandalism and violence.

They now feel vulnerable and powerless to safeguard their businesses.

Lyne Knight, manager of Thresher off-licence, claims the licensed premises are particularly at risk.

She told the Guardian: During the week things arent too bad, but on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, all hell can break loose. Nine times out of ten these kids are drunk or possibly on drugs and nine times out of ten they get something from us.

The off-licence has a strict policy on not serving minors, but the gangs often steal alcohol from shops in the area and can turn violent if they are turned away.

She added: A few months ago a gang of 30 or 40 youths totally demolished our front window by throwing bottles and crates at it after they didnt get served.

Customers dont like living round here and they wont come out after dark so our trade is suffering. They shouldnt have to live like this.

But even shops that are closed in the evening have fallen prey to the thugs. Florist Laila Ramji says her insurance company will refuse to insure her against any more criminal damage unless she installs expensive grills in front of her shop.

Its terrible. Ive just had new windows installed because of the graffiti and we dont even have remembrance day collection boxes any more because the gangs steal them, she explained.

A spokesman for Merton Police said officers were aware of the ongoing problems in Grand Drive and said they had been going on for some time, although it was difficult to pinpoint the culprits without more resources.

He said: Resources are prioritised and the police will do as much as we can with the priorities we have to work to.