Shoppers hit out at rowdy teen gangs
Police involved after claims of assault on staff
A shop worker has allegedly been assaulted after confronting a gang of rowdy teenagers at a Wishaw supermarket.
In recent weeks there has been a spike in antisocial behaviour at Tesco Extra in Belhaven Road, with groups of young people causing havoc.
A customer told how youths have also been “threatening staff ” and generally making life a misery for them with their shocking behaviour.
The source said: “A security officer had sanitiser sprayed in his face, was spat on and attacked and required medical treatment.
“Staff are also being threatened with violence. It started about two weeks ago.
“A gang of youths around high school age have been descending on Tesco en masse.
“They are in groups of about 15 at a time. Some had already been banned for threatening behaviour, vandalism and shoplifting.”
Management have reported a number of incidents to the police.
“These youths prey on the fact that the adult employees and security cannot touch them, even in self defence,” the concerned customer added.
“Some of the staff and security have young families themselves and things are tough this time of year without being threatened.
“This needs to be brought into the public eye.”
Police have conceded there is an issue with antisocial behaviour at the supermarket and say they have taken measures to address it.
Wishaw Area Inspector Alan Mulholland said: “We are aware of the issues with youths attending at Tesco. We also received a report of an assault on a member of staff last week.
“Officers are following a positive line of enquiry in relation to CCTV evidence and have been gathering information from witnesses.
“We’ve also had a similar type of issue down at Brandon Parade in Motherwell recently with a group of youths, where a member of staff was also allegedly assaulted.
“More generally, we’re linking in with local schools to address antisocial behaviour that seems to arise during this time of year and will continue to do so.
“If anyone has any information on individuals involved in this type of antisocial behaviour they should call 101, contact the community police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Our colleagues work hard to serve our customers every day and the vast majority of customers are appreciative of their efforts.
“However, we have seen an increase in violent and aggressive behaviour towards our colleagues and security officers at our Wishaw Extra store in recent months.
“We do not tolerate abusive behaviour of any kind and have reported a number of incidents to the police.”