Groups of teenagers are terrorising staff and customers at a Glasgow shopping centre leading to calls for police to step in.
The youths have been targeting the McDonald's restaurant and other stores at Silverburn, subjecting workers to alleged racist abuse and physical attacks.
Locals have said they are often 'too scared' to visit the shopping centre at night due to the number of teenagers hanging around while McDonald's bosses have taken strict measures to protect staff, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
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Families visiting on Saturday, March 25, say they saw children "as young as 12" who were drinking, banging on the windows and smashing alcohol bottles close to the restaurant's entrance leaving staff "distressed".
One wrote: "It's a bad day when you don't want to go to work for being scared of kids making your life hell. Such a shame."
McDonald's has now implemented a ban on under-16s entering the Silverburn eatery after 6pm without adult supervision.
A spokesperson said: "We're experiencing anti-social behaviour issues at the restaurant, specific to one or two groups of teenagers.
"It's not isolated to McDonald's and the restaurant team has been working with local businesses, the police and Silverburn shopping centre to try to find a workable solution.
"In the instances of anti-social behaviour, the Silverburn restaurant team has experienced racial, physical and verbal abuse. We've also seen instances of property damage from the same group.
"The safety and well-being of our staff and customers is the top priority. Until we've found a solution, this temporary measure will remain in place."
A spokesperson for the shopping centre said: "Silverburn is aware of some issues with anti-social behaviour in the area and is working to find a resolution.
"We are here to support our tenants and guests, ensuring safety and security is paramount."
Police Scotland confirmed officers were most recently called to assist security teams at the restaurant around 6pm on Saturday and enquiries are ongoing into an assault.
Inspector Jamie McFarlane from the local problem-solving team said: "We are aware of a recent rise in reports of youths involved in anti-social behaviour.
"We are working closely with a number of partner agencies to address these issues. Our patrols will continue with officers providing reassurance to restaurant staff, security staff and the local community as well as engaging with young people to discourage this type of behaviour."
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