Brazen kids are boasting after “routinely” shoplifting alcohol and vapes from a Dundee supermarket while helpless staff look on.
Police have increased their presence at Sainsbury’s in Broughty Ferry as workers at the shop deal with constant anti-social behaviour.
Sources claim youngsters are openly shoplifting and have moved from stealing sweets to bottles of alcohol and e-cigarettes in recent weeks.
It is understood staff have been told by bosses they should not tackle the yobs – and instead pass information to police.
‘Things have escalated’
One source told The Courier: “There are about 10 or 12 youngsters involved and I would place them between the ages of 10 and 14.
“Things started off quite small – the kids were taking sweets.
“They were ringing a nightshift bell which allows staff access once the store is closed.
“Thing have escalated with the theft of vapes and alcohol.
“The store has since moved the vapes products as a result of them being stolen.
“No staff have been injured or attacked but one staff member did confront them on one occasion and got smoke blown in their face.
“The more staff challenge them, the more of a rise they seem to get out of it.”
‘Four kids just lifted things off the shelves and walked out’
One customer says he has repeatedly witnessed youngsters lifting items off the shelves before “bragging” about it outside.
He said: “I was in one night last week and four young kids just lifted things off the shelves and walked out.
“They were bragging about it outside after, just eating the food they’d nicked and hanging out in the car park.
I spoke to one of the guys on the tills and they said they are just compiling a list of all the things nicked
“This is going on routinely and those responsible are generally causing mayhem.
“I spoke to one of the guys on the tills and they said they are just compiling a list of all the things nicked.
“CCTV footage is being provided to the police since the staff can’t intervene.”
Police provide ‘high-visibility’ presence
A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said: “We continue to work alongside the police and community groups to address anti-social behaviour affecting our Dundee superstore and the community it serves.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “We are aware of the ongoing anti-social behaviour issues within a supermarket on Tom Johnston Road, Dundee and we are working with the business to address the issues.
“We will continue to provide an enhanced high-visibility police presence in the area to help minimise anti-social behaviour and crime.”
Conversation