Falkirk area shop staff verbally abused by customers over COVID-19 guidance

While officers have commended the majority of the area’s residents for adhering to coronavirus social distancing guidance, there have been incidents involving customers turning on supermarket employees over the measures.

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told how a relative had been verbally abused at the Tesco store where they work after reminding a shopper of the guidelines.

The woman said: “There are people pushing their luck, turning up with a relative and they’re getting told by door staff it’s only one person that can go in.

“The staff are getting abused and it’s being reported.

“The member of my family said ‘I’m only telling you what the government is telling us’.

“These people are on the frontline. Shop workers shouldn’t be standing for this.

“They’re keeping food in people’s cupboards and these people are giving them abuse. It’s disgraceful.”

Though such incidents have been low in number, Chief Inspector Chris Stewart, Local Area Commander for Falkirk, has called on members of the public to report any abusive behaviour, should they witness it.

He said: “We recognise that the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in great uncertainty and concern for our communities and I want to thank everyone who is helping the effort to tackle the spread of the virus by staying home.

“Your contributions are undoubtedly helping to save lives and protect our NHS.

“Leaving the house for essential groceries and medicine is, of course, permitted and I would urge anyone attending at your local shop, supermarket or pharmacy to continue to observe the social distancing restrictions.

“It should also be noted that, while we recognise the anxieties being caused at this time, abuse towards shop staff will not be tolerated.

“Thankfully, in Falkirk there have only been a small number of incidents reported to police whereby shop staff have been subject to verbal abuse, however, any such incident reported to police will be investigated and appropriate action taken.

“If you witness any such behaviour while in a store or place of work, please contact us on 101.”