Masked group target Wicklow phone shop as owner says staff are too scared to work
The Wicklow PeopleA phone shop in Wicklow has been targeted in an alleged robbery, with the owner saying staff are now “scared” and do not want to return to work.
In a video, which has been circulated online, four masked individuals dressed in tracksuits can be seen outside Fone 4 U on Bray Main Street, before three enter the shop.
Two of them make their way behind the counter and attempt to take cash from the register.
A struggle ensues with the shopkeeper, while one of the alleged assailants attempts to jump over the counter.
All the group flee the scene following the struggle, but are believed to have taken around €500 in cash with them.
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 23.
Senior Garda sources confirmed they are aware of the video and have identified several parties involved, but no arrests have been made.
However, it is understood this is not the first time the store has been targeted in a similar incident.
Owner Faheem Asghar, who has been operating the business since 2021, said staff are now living in fear following the incidents.
“We are feeling scared. We have started locking the door early. It’s bad,” he said.
Mr Asghar said there is no garda presence on the street and claimed he feels gardaí do not have the power to do anything about the ongoing anti-social behaviour on the Main Street.
“It’s hard, it’s a lot of money. It was our two days’ takings, but it’s not about the money,” he said.
He added that one staff member was now so frightened that they no longer wanted to work in the shop.