Usman Munir, owner of two shops on Rutherglen Main Street, has endured escalating attacks by local youths, sparking alarm among staff and residents as wider areas including Barrhead experience similar outbursts.
A shopkeeper in Glasgow, Usman Munir, has recently faced a distressing wave of vandalism and violence driven by local youth, causing him deep concern for the future of his two businesses. The incidents have escalated to a worrying level, with reports of teenagers, some as young as 12, engaging in destructive and intimidating behaviour.
Munir, the owner of Ruggie Boozers and Cheeky Moos on Rutherglen Main Street, revealed that the chaos unfolded when a gang of masked youths entered his off-licence shop on May 3. They were allegedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs and quickly became unruly—fighting with staff before being forcibly removed. Reflecting on the unsettling experiences, Munir shared, “The younger they get, the tougher they get, and the more ruthless. They were out of control.”
The situation worsened as the following day saw a repeat of the violence, with another group causing significant damage and even throwing bottles at terrified employees. CCTV footage from Munir’s shop captured the distressing scenes, depicting youths not only vandalising the premises but also shoplifting food items. “It started getting beyond a joke,” Munir said, highlighting a pattern of behaviour that has left both him and his staff shaken.
While Munir estimates the damage to be around £10,000 to £12,000, he reflects on the emotional toll as well, stating, “A lot of my staff were left very shaken up, shocked and appalled. They are not used to this sort of violence.” The police have been contacted numerous times regarding these incidents, and action appears to be in motion, with a 15-year-old boy recently arrested in connection with the vandalism.
The rising incidents of youth violence and vandalism are not confined to Munir’s experience. Residents in neighbouring areas, such as Barrhead in East Renfrewshire, have voiced their frustrations over similar troubling patterns of behaviour among young people. Instances of children throwing bricks at vehicles, leading to the cancellation of bus services, showcase a broader issue concerning community safety and the fear permeating local areas. In Barrhead, the violence has affected transport and triggered increased police patrols, as parents and residents alike have called for more accountability and support from families.
In the face of this troubling trend, some families have stepped forward to take responsibility for their children’s actions. Parents of teenagers involved in previous disturbances have apologised and sought to make amends for the damage caused. In a recent incident, one parent returned to a shop after their child stole items worth around £500 and left £50 as a gesture of goodwill. This response reflects a community trying to combat the negative patterns of youth behaviour, highlighting a collective desire to foster a safer environment.
Community support for small business owners like Munir has come in waves, with local residents rallying behind him. Such backing from the community is crucial as shops battle not just physical vandalism, but the emotional aftermath of constant threats to their operations. Local clergy and community figures have also spoken out, emphasising the need for collective action to safeguard local businesses from such challenges.
As Usman Munir contemplates installing internal shutters for added security in his shop, the hope remains that by shining a light on these troubling issues, both community support and law enforcement can mitigate the violence. The ever-present fear of youth-led chaos is a pressing concern for many, and addressing the root causes of such behaviour will require a concerted effort from parents, community leaders, and local authorities alike.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14717153/Moment-yobs-terrorise-shopkeeper-amid-campaign-vandalism-Deflated-owner-opens-daily-attacks-drunken-drug-fuelled-youngsters.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-67266377 – Residents of Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, are at their ‘wits’ end’ due to a surge in youth vandalism and violence, leading to the cancellation of evening bus services. McGills Buses halted stops in the Auchenback area after bricks were thrown at vehicles, smashing windows. Locals report that a group of young teenagers is causing havoc, targeting supermarkets and small businesses. Police have increased patrols and are calling for parental support. Community members express concern over the unchecked behavior, which has led to service reductions and increased fear in the local area.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-67266377.amp – Residents of Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, are at their ‘wits’ end’ due to a surge in youth vandalism and violence, leading to the cancellation of evening bus services. McGills Buses halted stops in the Auchenback area after bricks were thrown at vehicles, smashing windows. Locals report that a group of young teenagers is causing havoc, targeting supermarkets and small businesses. Police have increased patrols and are calling for parental support. Community members express concern over the unchecked behavior, which has led to service reductions and increased fear in the local area.
- https://newsvoice.info/article/page/dailyrecord/news/scottish-news/parents-teens-who-attacked-glasgow-34748186 – The parents of teenagers involved in a violent incident at a Glasgow shop have apologized after their children attacked a staff member and stole approximately £500 worth of stock. Following the incident on February 21, 2025, one teen returned with a parent to apologize and left £50 for the stolen items. A second parent reported their child to the police and apologized on their behalf, while a third contacted the shop via social media to express regret. The shop owners expressed gratitude for the apologies and support from the community.
- https://newsvoice.info/article/page/dailyrecord/news/scottish-news/community-rallies-round-glasgow-shopkeeper-34754942 – After a gang of teenagers rampaged through a Glasgow shop, attacking a staff member and stealing £500 worth of stock, the local community has shown strong support for the shopkeeper. Residents, including Reverend Christopher Rowe from Colston Milton Parish Church, have offered assistance and solidarity. The parents of the teens involved have apologized, with one returning to the shop with a parent to express regret and leave £50 for the stolen items. The shop owners have received well-wishes and support from the Ruchill community.
- https://newsvoice.info/article/page/dailyrecord/news/scottish-news/glasgow-shopkeeper-attacked-after-teen-34732781 – A Glasgow shopkeeper was left shaken after a gang of teenagers rampaged through the store, attacking a staff member and stealing items. The incident occurred on February 21, 2025, at around 7 pm in the Ruchill area. CCTV footage shows a group of ten or more outside the store before an altercation erupted. The staff member sought medical treatment for facial injuries. Police were called to the scene, and inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
- https://newsvoice.info/article/page/dailyrecord/news/scottish-news/glasgow-shopkeeper-attacked-after-teen-34732781 – A Glasgow shopkeeper was left shaken after a gang of teenagers rampaged through the store, attacking a staff member and stealing items. The incident occurred on February 21, 2025, at around 7 pm in the Ruchill area. CCTV footage shows a group of ten or more outside the store before an altercation erupted. The staff member sought medical treatment for facial injuries. Police were called to the scene, and inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative mentions recent incidents and ongoing community responses, indicating a current issue. However, the lack of specific dates in some instances makes it slightly less clear if the entire narrative is entirely fresh.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Usman Munir’s quotes are presented as direct statements, but without additional online sources to verify their original publication, it’s difficult to ascertain their first use.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a publication known for sensationalism, which might impact its reliability compared to more neutral or fact-checking focused sources.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about youth violence and vandalism are plausible given similar issues reported in other areas. While specific details might be unverified, the general trend aligns with broader societal concerns.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a concerning and plausible situation regarding youth violence, but its reliability is moderated by the source’s reputation. The freshness of the content is mostly current, though some details lack specificity.
