Outback KFC is forced to close two hours earlier each day because it has turned into a ‘safe house’ for victims seeking refuge from violent criminals
- Alice Springs KFC will be closing its doors at least two hours earlier everyday
- The store has become a ‘safe house’ for victims seeking refuge from violence
- Franchise said they will resume normal trading hours when crime rate decreases
An outback KFC will now close two hours earlier each day because it has turned into a ‘safe house’ for victims seeking refuge from violent criminals.
The Alice Springs fast food franchise has said it will now be closing its doors at 10pm everyday instead of its regular 12am or 1am closing time to protect staff.
‘We have had people taking refuge from others in our restaurant that has resulted in almost $8000 worth of damage,’ Sam Edelman shared on Facebook.
KFC Alice Springs (pictured) will be closing earlier as it has become a ‘safe house’ for victims of violent crimes
The franchise has said they will resume normal trading hours when crime rates have dropped, ABC reported.
A KFC spokesperson said: ‘We’re concerned about the escalating violence occurring in and around our KFC Alice Springs restaurant late at night.
To ensure the safety of our people and customers we’ve decided to close our dining area at 10pm but our customers can continue to be served via the drive thru which will still trade until 12am Monday to Friday, and until 1am on weekends. We’ll continue to work with the police to assess safety and assist in whatever way possible.’
The announcement was made after a tourist in Alice Springs was punched in the face by an attacker on Tuesday.
The 49-year-old woman was walking across a bridge just before 12pm when she was approached.
The woman refused to give the man her money and was struck in the face. She had to be taken to hospital for treatment.
Police are still looking for the man who they describe as Indigenous with a sturdy build.
Local resident Bill Davis had his house broken into recently and had his belongings and camper van stolen.
Mr Davis said a lack of education and engagement is the reason behind these rise in youth crime.
Crime statistics show that there has been a 83 per cent increase in house break-ins and 14 per cent increase in property break-ins in Alice Springs in the last year.
The franchise has announced it will now be closing at 10pm everyday in order to protect staff