A popular chippy in Marchmont recently fell victim to a group of rowdy teenagers, adding to the string of businesses in the area that have been targeted by young thieves. David Armstrong, the general manager of #Fish, shared the unfortunate incident where the chippy was broken into and £500 in tips along with a bank card were stolen. The youths used the stolen bank card to call an Uber to escape the scene before ordering McDonald’s to a home address. This incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 22.
David expressed his frustration, stating that it feels like businesses in the area are under siege. In the past 15 days, six businesses have been broken into, including their own chippy. The emotional toll on the staff was significant, as they lost their hard-earned summer tips and the business had to spend £2,000 to replace the broken glass window that the thieves used to gain entry.
The situation has prompted David and his partner Helen Foster to beef up their security measures by installing CCTV. They are also calling on the community to come together to combat the gang of youths causing havoc in the area. David emphasized the importance of businesses being proactive in protecting themselves, especially since they are vulnerable due to their mostly glass fronts.
The couple urged other business owners to consider investing in front-facing and internal CCTV systems to alert each other of any suspicious activity. They highlighted the need for increased vigilance in the neighborhood, as businesses are being targeted even when customers are present. The repeated incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among local business owners, who are unsure if their stores will be safe from break-ins.
Despite the challenges they face, David and Helen are determined to take a stand against the perpetrators and protect their livelihoods. They believe that by working together and implementing security measures, they can deter future criminal activities. The community’s safety and well-being are at the forefront of their efforts to combat the ongoing thefts and break-ins.
In a similar vein, other businesses in the area have also been targeted by the same group of youths, including Detour Espresso cafe and Marchmont Hardware. The incidents have raised concerns about the lack of protection for small businesses and the need for increased police presence in the neighborhood.
Overall, the recent spate of break-ins and thefts in Marchmont has underscored the vulnerability of businesses in the area and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance security measures. By working together and staying vigilant, local businesses can create a safer environment for themselves and their customers.
