Yobs caused hundreds of pounds’ worth of damage after they struck and cracked a popular escape room’s window when they were booted out by staff.
Owner of the Panic Room in Gravesend, Alex Souter, said the incident is a “kick in the teeth” with the firm left facing a hefty repair bill.
He told KentOnline the group of teenagers targeted the escape room and axe-throwing location in the St George’s Shopping Centre at around 6.30pm on Sunday (June 7).
He explained that a few of the youngsters tried to distract the member of staff who was at the front desk, while their friends tried to walk through to the back of the premises.
Alex, who owns the business with his wife Monique, said they ignored the staff’s attempts to stop them but did eventually leave.
He added: “It is not fair to our staff. They were causing a ruckus as they were leaving and decided to kick the front door multiple times.
“There is now a deep crack across it, and the window is unstable. It is not acceptable.
“It is the last thing we need, especially on the weekend when everyone is working their socks off. It is a kick in the teeth.
“It is frustrating to say the least. Especially with all the other bills, the last thing we need is to shell out £500 on a new window.
“We are trying to give Gravesend a bit of fun entertainment, and it is the few that ruin it for the many.”
The escape rooms have been at the location in the St George’s Shopping Centre, with its entrance via Princes Street, for around nine years.
In that time, Alex said it had only experienced one other similar incident where a beer bottle was thrown and smashed the window, with the culprit being ordered to repay the costs at a rate of £1 a month.
Despite being compensated, he explained that it does not necessarily help in the short term when they might not have the funds to cover the repairs.
Its family entertainment hub, also in the shopping centre, was previously broken-into in 2022 while it was under renovation.
The firm’s booking system has also been targeted by cyber attacks twice, most recently in April.
The weekend’s incident has been reported to the police, which confirmed it is investigating reports of criminal damage.
Alex added: “They were looking to cause trouble, and we have had quite a few messages from others who have had similar issues in the town.
“It speaks to a larger issue. I think we need more proactive policing in the area, which would be a lot more effective than reactive policing. We need presence on the streets.”
Anyone with information is urged to call the force on 01474 366149 quoting reference 46/91340/26.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form.
