A local Co-op has placed a ban on primary and secondary schoolchildren after a string of reported incidents involving theft and antisocial behaviour.
The store, in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, has imposed the temporary measure to make it a "more enjoyable customer environment" after local schoolchildren were allegedly helping themselves to food on several occasions.
Earlier in the week, one local reported that their young child had been turned away from the store having done nothing wrong.
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Due to repeated theft and antisocial behaviour, customers within the store were anxious to visit during busy times of the day due to the heavy presence of local kids, from Lasswade High School and various local primary schools.
It is understood that on one occasion, students were caught on CCTV filling their pockets with stock, as well as shouting and swearing at each other.
The Co-op is one of the main grocery stores within the town, proving to be a hotspot for pupils to visit before school during lunchtime and also after school.
The Co-operative have also been driving hard over the last few years for more protection for their employees and to send out a clear message that similar antisocial behaviour and thieving will not be tolerated.
Last year, the law in Scotland changed so that stiffer punishments would be handed out to those found guilty of committing violence against shop workers.
Given a difficult two-year Covid lockdown period, some customers to the store are already anxious about making the trip out whilst being in close proximity with other shoppers, with added antisocial behaviour adding to their distress.
A Co-op spokesperson, said: "Following a spate of anti-social behaviour we have introduced a temporary measure to ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping environment for colleagues and customers."
