A newsagent in Midlothian has recently been targeted by a group of unruly youths, sparking concerns about safety and security in the local community. News Xpress, located on Eskdaill Street in Dalkeith, reported that a gang of four males and two females entered their store and brazenly helped themselves to items without paying. The shocking incident was caught on camera and shared online, shedding light on the disturbing behavior of these young individuals.
Disturbances in the Community
The shop’s surveillance footage captured the group casually picking items off the counter and out of the fridges before casually walking out of the store. One of the girls appeared to distract a shop worker while her accomplice stole items from the fridge. A larger male teen then boldly approached the counter, removed items from a holder, and stuffed them into his pocket. Another male teen was even seen wearing a balaclava face cover as they entered the shop, adding an element of intimidation to their actions.
In response to the ongoing issues with local youths, News Xpress took to social media to address the concerns. They shared a statement urging the community to stay vigilant and report any concerning behavior to the authorities. The management emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone in the neighborhood, calling on residents to come together to address the problem and ensure the area remains a great place to live.
Continued Troubles
Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. On a separate occasion, youths were reported to be throwing ‘jabs’ at shop workers, further highlighting the disruptive and potentially dangerous behavior of some individuals in the community. Upon reviewing the footage, it became apparent that the same group of teens was targeting stores across the area, allegedly engaging in theft, threats, and abuse towards shop workers.
The escalating situation prompted local authorities to launch an investigation into both incidents. Police Scotland confirmed that they were called to the scene of the theft at News Xpress on Eskdaill Street and are currently working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The troubling behavior exhibited by the group of youths has raised concerns among residents and business owners alike, prompting calls for increased vigilance and action to address the issue.
Community Response
In light of these troubling events, the community has come together to address the challenges posed by unruly youths in the area. Residents have expressed their concerns about the safety and security of their neighborhood, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent further incidents. Businesses have also voiced their support for enhanced security measures to deter criminal behavior and protect their staff and customers.
Local authorities have encouraged residents to report any suspicious or concerning behavior to the police, urging them to work together to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the community. By remaining vigilant and proactive in addressing these issues, residents and businesses can help ensure that their neighborhood remains a peaceful and thriving place to live and work.
As the investigation into the incidents at News Xpress and other stores in the area continues, it is essential for the community to stand united against criminal behavior and support efforts to maintain law and order in the neighborhood. By working together and staying vigilant, residents can help create a safer and more secure environment for everyone in Midlothian.