Cabra Spar Faces Staff Intimidation and Abuse from Youth

A Spar shop in Cabra, Dublin, has issued a statement detailing ongoing abuse and intimidation of its staff by groups of young people aged 10 to 16. The incidents, which have been escalating in recent months, include racial abuse, verbal harassment, and physical assaults involving thrown food and drinks.

Details of the Abuse

According to a statement posted on the Spar Cabra Facebook page on February 20, 2026, staff members have been subjected to a range of unacceptable behaviors. These include:

• Racial abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Food being thrown at staff
• Being sprayed with drinks
• Having eggs thrown at them
• General intimidation

Community Concerns and Garda Involvement

The Spar, located on Faussagh Avenue, expressed its commitment to the Cabra community, highlighting its support for local residents through services like grocery delivery for the elderly and providing meals. However, the store emphasized the need for parental involvement to address the issue.

The statement directly asked parents, “Where are your kids at night?” and urged them to discuss the importance of respecting shop staff with their children. The store is actively collaborating with local Gardaí (Irish police) to identify the individuals involved and address the problem. The Gardaí will contact the families of those identified.

Spar’s Plea for Respect

“It is intimidating to people who are trying to use the shops in the evenings, and it is unfair on our staff to have to position up with abuse from kids who are aged from about 10 to 16 years old,” the Spar statement read. The store hopes that by working with parents and the Gardaí, the situation can be resolved and a safe environment for both staff and customers can be restored.

The Staff Of Spar Faussagh Avenue thanked the community for their consideration.