Concerns raised after youths abuse staff and cause thousands in damages

Overgate centre manager Malcom Angus shared the 'collective concern' for the safety of staff and shoppers as they come up on their busiest period.

Beth Franklin

3rd Dec 2023

Posted in

Dundee City

A shopping centre manager expressed concern over “constant, malicious and criminal damage” by youths.

Overgate centre manager Malcom Angus shared the “collective concern” for the safety of staff and shoppers as they come up on their busiest period.

Most recently the centre subject to disruption by youths around 6pm on Friday, December 1.

Mr Angus said that the group subjected security staff to verbal and physical abuse when they were asked to leave.

He added: “The youths then proceeded to kick in the centre’s main entrance doors, causing yet again thousands of pounds worth of damage.”

Police were called to the scene around 7.45pm and took statements regarding the incident, and are understood to have looked over CCTV.

The manager said that local youths are aware are the current policing rota within the city centre, adding: “we are keen to understand what steps are being taken to fill this 4pm-7pm gap in City Centre policing.

“As has been highlighted previously, Overgate is investing millions into the City Centre, however, the centre cannot sustain this level of constant malicious and criminal damage.

“We are more than willing to arrange a meeting with all City Centre stakeholders involved to try and combat this worrying trend.”

Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.