Ban on pupils after surge in shoplifting

A SCOTS supermarket has been forced to ban all schoolchildren from its premises following ‘an alarming increase’ in shoplifting.

Gangs of children have been raiding the Co-op store in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, leading the management to issue an immediate ‘blanket ban’ on all youngsters.

The unruly pupils have been branded ‘feral’ by locals and been blamed for hassling pensioners and helping themselves to goods off the shelves.

Manager Glen Collin took to social media to inform the community of the supermarket’s decision to deny entry to all children from the town.

He posted that it was hoped ‘the blanket ban would encourage pupils to think twice about their actions and apply some peer pressure to others’.

Mr Collin added: ‘This has been individuals and groups and not just one thing – one female filled her pockets four times when we reviewed CCTV. Three males then came in with all of them pocketing something.’

A Co-op spokesman said: ‘Following a spate of anti-social behaviour we have introduced a temporary measure to ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping environment for colleagues and customers.’