An Aberdeen restaurant owner has spoken of how they were forced to lock themselves inside after being subject to abuse.
Staff at Duncano’s Bar Bistro in Westhill were left feeling ‘intimidated’ after being targeted by a group of around 30 youths.
Owner Lynne Duncan said individuals dressed in black, clothing and masks targeted her business at Westhill Shopping Centre on Friday, hurling abuse at staff and customers.
The group were seen climbing on the roof of the building and entering the north-east restaurant on several occasions throughout the day.
After confronting the group, staff reported the matter to police, before being forced to lock their doors as customers dined inside.
‘I had to lock the doors of the restaurant with customers inside’
Speaking to The Press and Journal, Ms Duncan said she had never experienced anything like his before.
She said: “It was quite shocking, just the sheer volume of kids.
“They were here all day and all night trying to intimidate us and coming into the restaurant, swearing. It was just awful. I had to lock the doors of the restaurant with customers inside.
“They were all dressed in black with hoods up and masks on and everything. It was ridiculous.
“I have not had anything like this before. I have seen them scattered about the shopping centre on many occasions. I wouldn’t have confronted them normally as I didn’t want to antagonise them but it was just too much so I decided to confront them. They were just out of control, so I had to phone the police.
“The police did arrive last night, and they are dealing with it. They spoke to a few of the kids.”
The restaurant owner has since shared details of the ordeal on social media in a bid to raise awareness.
Restaurant owner shares ordeal on social media
In a post published on the restaurant’s Facebook page, she explained how she called police four times as the group hurled abuse at staff.
She wrote: “So disappointed this evening that Duncano’s, a local business, has been subject to harassment and abuse from a gang of 30 kids – aged 14 to 16 – who are on our roof, surrounding the restaurant and even entering it to shout abuse.
“Police have been called four times, yet they are still here while me and my staff are locked inside.
“This behaviour can’t be allowed to continue in our community.”
It is understood that police are stepping up patrols in the area in light of the incident.
The Westhill restaurant owner added: “I made it public because I want my staff and business to be protected and parents need to know if their kids are out doing things like this.
“It was quite shocking behaviour. No one wants to see that in the local community.”
Police confirmed no damage was caused to the property, however, advice was given to two people close to the scene.
A police spokesperson said: “On the evening of Friday, March 22, we received two reports of a group of youths causing a disturbance at business premises on Old Skene Road, Aberdeen.
“Officers attended, and advice was given to two people traced nearby. There was no damage to the premises.”
Conversation