The manager of a north-east shop, who took a tough line on anti-social behaviour, has left with a parting shot at the actions of some youths in the community.
After two years in charge at the Co-op in Newmachar, Christopher Middleton is taking up the reins at the chain’s most northerly store at Brae in Shetland.
While stressing that anti-social behaviour in the area was carried out by a “very small minority”, Mr Middleton had to deal with several problems at the premises.
Last year, Mr Middleton banned one member of a group of youths from the store after he was accused of “destroying” the life of a local resident by tormenting him for months.
He also used social media to warn thieves, whenever they had been caught on CCTV, that they would be prosecuted.
And, on his last day in the job, Mr Middleton criticised a “group of six local and known young adults loitering around the front of our store at 9.30pm on Sunday, eating, littering and damaging stock before finally stealing goods.”
He added: “We have identified all present and the cavalier attitude to stealing by some in the group can only signal theft is a normal occurrence and accepted between the party as a whole.
“We will be catching up with the individuals shortly and ask that they do not return to the Co-op or they will be politely asked to leave.”
Speaking to the Press and Journal, Mr Middleton insisted he had mostly postive memories of his time in Newmachar.
He said: “It’s a very small minority and not reflective of the wider community, who have been just as supportive as you would expect.
“I will miss working here in Newmachar, it’s one of the most positive places where I’ve managed a store.”
Looking ahead to his move north, he added: “It’s a different way of life up there, although it’s a busier store, so in that sense, it’s a step up for me.”