An East Kilbride shop assistant was threatened with a knife as he tried to stop a teenager stealing alcohol. The male employee grabbed the shoplifter’s hat, only to be confronted by blade-wielding Dylan McCrae, who demanded he hand it back. McCrae, 18, of Lancaster Crescent, East Kilbride, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week and admitted carrying an offensive weapon and committing assault and robbery at the Co-op in Main Street on September 22 last year.
In addition, Lewis McCrossan, 19, of Mill Court, Rutherglen, also appeared in court and admitted a reduced charge of theft. The incident occurred around 9.20 pm, as Robbie McDougall, prosecuting, explained to the court. McCrossan selected two bottles of Buckfast from a shelf, bypassed the payment point, and attempted to exit. A staff member intervened and tried to retrieve the bottles, removing McCrossan’s hat in the process. The situation escalated when McCrae entered the shop with a knife and directed it at the employee, demanding the return of the hat.
Footage of the incident captured by the Co-op’s CCTV was presented in court. McCrae and McCrossan then left the store. Sheriff Liam Murphy deferred sentencing for both individuals until next month for background reports and continued their bail.
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Incidents such as this serve as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by retail staff while carrying out their duties. Retail workers play a crucial role in maintaining safety and security in stores, and it is essential to raise awareness of the risks they may encounter. In such situations, the quick thinking and de-escalation attempts by the staff member are commendable, highlighting the importance of training and support for employees facing similar threats.