Latest news with #SirWalter'sCafe
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Scots cafe 'under siege' from 'feral youth gang' who attacked third time in week
Sir Walter's Cafe in Princes Street in Edinburgh is reportedly 'under siege' from a feral gang of youths. A Scots cafe has been targeted by a gang of youths for the third time in a week after nearby business owners warned they are 'under siege' from feral groups. Last weekend a firework was let off near customers at Sir Walter's Cafe in Princes Street in Edinburgh, exploding near women and young children. Just days later, two female youths were captured breaking open a shutter and raiding the cafe, reports Edinburgh Live. Paulius Bernotas, who owns the business in Princes Street Gardens, raised concerns over an increase in antisocial behaviour from large groups of youths in the area and called on police to carry out regular patrols to deter further offending. On Thursday July 3, several male youths appeared to approach the cafe shortly before midnight and attempted to prize open the same shutter before turning the camera away from them. According to Paulius, more damage was dealt to the unit, but nothing appears to have been taken. Two hooded male youths can be seen approaching the cafe and attempting to pull open the wooden shutter before two females join them. In the background, people can be seen walking along Princes Street, looking towards the group. A hand is then visible as the camera is moved away from them while they allegedly broke the doors open. After being approached about a rise in youth-related incidents within Princes Street Gardens, Sergeant Robert Richardson said officers are currently running a dedicated initiative which involves high-visibility patrols specifically targeting antisocial behaviour on Princes Street and the surrounding area. Paulius previously told how groups regularly make their way around Princes Street Gardens with speakers during the day and approach his cafe and seating area in the afternoon. Despite being asked to leave by staff, groups continue to 'look for a reaction' and vandalise his cafe. The raid on the unit earlier this week left Paulius with a bill of around £2,000 to repair damage caused to the shutter and a fridge. Sergeant Robert Richardson said: "We understand the impact anti-social behaviour and disorder has on the local community, and I would like to thank locals who continue to bring these incidents to our attention. I would reassure them that everything possible is being done to reduce anti-social behaviour in our area. 'Officers are currently running a dedicated initiative named Operation Verbeia, which involves increased high-visibility patrols specifically targeting anti-social behaviour in the Princes Street area and its surroundings. "We take reports of such instances very seriously and I would urge anyone who comes across disorder to contact police. Anti-social behaviour and criminal acts will not be tolerated and those found to be committing these offences will be dealt with appropriately. 'Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to report incidents to police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Princes Street Gardens cafe targeted by 'youth gang' for third time in a week
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh Princes Street cafe has been targeted by a gang of youths for the third time in a week after nearby business owners warned they are 'under siege' from feral groups. Last weekend a firework was let off near customers at Sir Walter's Cafe in the Gardens, exploding near women and young children. Just days later, two female youths were captured breaking open a shutter and raiding the cafe. Paulius Bernotas, who owns the business in Princes Street Gardens, raised concerns over an increase in antisocial behaviour from large groups of youths in the area and called on police to carry out regular patrols to deter further offending. On Thursday, July 3, several male youths appeared to approach the cafe shortly before midnight and attempted to prize open the same shutter before turning the camera away from them. According to Paulius, more damage was dealt to the unit, but nothing appears to have been taken. Two hooded male youths can be seen approaching the cafe and attempting to pull open the wooden shutter before two females join them. In the background, people can be seen walking along Princes Street, looking towards the group. (Image: Supplied) A hand is then visible as the camera is moved away from them while they allegedly broke the doors open. After being approached about a rise in youth-related incidents within Princes Street Gardens, Sergeant Robert Richardson said officers are currently running a dedicated initiative which involves high-visibility patrols specifically targeting antisocial behaviour on Princes Street and the surrounding area. Paulius previously told how groups regularly make their way around Princes Street Gardens with speakers during the day and approach his cafe and seating area in the afternoon. Despite being asked to leave by staff, groups continue to 'look for a reaction' and vandalise his cafe. The raid on the unit earlier this week left Paulius with a bill of around £2,000 to repair damage caused to the shutter and a fridge. Sergeant Robert Richardson said: "We understand the impact anti-social behaviour and disorder has on the local community, and I would like to thank locals who continue to bring these incidents to our attention. I would reassure them that everything possible is being done to reduce anti-social behaviour in our area. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. 'Officers are currently running a dedicated initiative named Operation Verbeia, which involves increased high-visibility patrols specifically targeting anti-social behaviour in the Princes Street area and its surroundings. "We take reports of such instances very seriously and I would urge anyone who comes across disorder to contact police. Anti-social behaviour and criminal acts will not be tolerated and those found to be committing these offences will be dealt with appropriately. 'Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to report incidents to police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
Edinburgh Live
5 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh city centre businesses warn 'we are under siege' as youth teams run riot
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Business owners at an Edinburgh city centre beauty spot warn they are 'under siege' from youths who regularly damage their property, steal items and abuse staff. Independent cafe owners in Princes Street Gardens say the area has become 'lawless' and incidents involving large gangs of youths are weekly occurrences, leaving them helpless. On Monday we told how a firework was let off near customers at Sir Walter's Cafe in the Gardens, narrowly missing mums with young children. The owner of the cafe, Paulius Bernotas, says it is just one of several recent incidents. During the early hours of Monday, June 30, footage captured two female youths appearing to break open one of the kiosk windows during the early hours before making off with several cans. Paulius says the incident resulted in a £2,000 bill to repair the damage. The 36-year-old has called on police to take action against feral gangs who he claims hang out within the gardens during the day and often approach his cafe intentionally trying to intimidate staff. Another nearby business owner told how youths regularly disconnect the water pipe outside his transformed police box, causing it to flood, and climb on top of the box while shouting abuse at him. He also called for police to take incidents reported to them more seriously and said the gangs of youths know they will not face any consequences for their actions. "Usually they come and sit on the benches and start throwing stuff, just looking for attention and a problem," Paulius said. "Many times I've spoke to them asking them to go away and they got more wild. One time they stole drinks and I went over and they took stones and started throwing them towards us. "I myself have called police and reported stuff a minimum 30 times. When I call they promise officers will be here but after a few hours I phone again and ask if they're coming or if I need to take action myself. "Friday it kicked off again as kids went on holiday and I've noticed a rise in incidents on Fridays and the weekends. On Saturday more of them came in the evening and on Sunday night some of them broke our doors and stole our drinks. "We have CCTV and you could see them flipping chairs and bins then just walking away. All kids are carrying knives as well. Police have said not to touch them as so many carry knives and they will stab you." Paulius said himself and his staff try to deal with situations the best way they can by installing CCTV and making sure the area is well lit. However, he questioned why further lighting hasn't been installed within the gardens. During the Festival Fringe, he said there are very few incidents as police have a command unit nearby, but this only acts as a temporary solution. He added: "The main problem is there's no CCTV in the park and when they close the park there is lots of action but there are no cameras or lights. I never see police patrolling the area either. "When the police lorry parks in the gardens during the fringe it obviously helps but it's not for a long time. My goal in general is to motivate them a little bit to take action." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Bahadir, who works in a small police box on Princes Street which has been converted into a cafe, said "police need to do something" when asked about recent incidents involving youths. He added: "Kids come and disconnect pipes behind the cafe box and flood the inside. They also climb on the wall behind me and jump on the box while shouting stuff. "I've reported incidents to police but nothing happens. They just annoy me in general and often shout at me. It must be stopped." Staff at a third cafe in the area also told how youths have caused chaos by stealing and throwing items from trolleys into the bushes. They said several incidents have taken place at night and those responsible enter the gardens once they are closed. (Image: Edinburgh Live) Inside the nearby Waverley Market, businesses told how incidents including shoplifting take place daily. Multiple people reported how large groups gather above the station during the evening and cause trouble. Mohammed, who works at one of the shops on the steps leading to Waverley Station, said: "Several shops in here experience shoplifting every day. In the past people have walked in, taken items from here and run off. "Customers are obviously afraid too. This is the face of Scotland and the capital city, I'm embarrassed this sort of thing happens." Hassan, who works at a phone case and accessory stall within Waverley Market, added: "People steal from here and other shops nearby every day. Usually it's a phone case or two but there is very little that can be done. "It's worse during the holidays and police sometimes come and ask about what happened but nothing happens. Big groups of around 30 often hang out on the roof but I'd say compared to previous years 2025 has been worse so far." Police Scotland and British Transport Police were approached for comment.
