An Edinburgh shopkeeper has lost all the staff at his store due to anti-social behaviour from teens who threw a plantain at his six-year-old son.
Charlie Siba, 49, owner of Amma Spices on Gorgie Road, says he had five workers quit forcing him to work 24/7 because nobody wants to risk their safety coming to work.
The shopkeeper has run his business for 12 years and previously owned a nearby corner shop too. But the dad has been left powerless to prevent the aggressive behaviour from teens and worries about the impact on the whole area.
READ MORE: Edinburgh shopkeeper forced to close business after being 'terrorised' by teens
Speaking to Edinburgh Live he said: "The first time it happened, seven of them walked in and stole all of the elf bars on display. The next time they came it was when one of the girls was working they shouted, swore and screamed at her.
"Now all my staff have left, which is screwed up because I have to be here all the time. All five of my members of staff have left because they don't want to risk their lives."
"Yesterday one of them threw a plantain at my six-year-old son, they just picked it up lobbed it and ran away. It had then hit my six year old son in the head.
"I had to call a friend to come and help me, he stood outside to mind the door. I'm losing my business because my customers are scared, they tell me 'it's not safe' and ask 'how can I come and risk my safety?'"
He continued: "People are avoiding Gorgie completely, and going up town to Nicolson Square to get their shopping.
"The police are up town 24/7 so if anything happens they can be there quickly. Yesterday the guy two doors up got attacked and they haven’t been to take a statement."
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He spoke of a campaign of loutish behaviour from a gang of teens. It comes after Edinburgh Live reported on Tuesday how a neighbouring store owner has been forced to shut after suffering weeks of abuse.
He added: "They are out every day tormenting shopkeepers round here, my friend across the road is now closed for two weeks because she can't take it.
"They get charged for it then are back on the streets in the same day. Last time they stole 25 Elf bars which is over £200. Now we are looking to band together and contact our local MP."
Business owners have reported a rise in antisocial behaviour incidents in the Gorgie area with a number of specialist food shops being targeted by groups of teens.
If you are aware of any incidents please get in touch at iona.young@reachplc.com
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