In a viral incident from 2019, the police had to intervene to shut down a massive hide and seek game involving around 3,000 people at the IKEA store in Glasgow. Plans were circulated on Facebook to transform the Braehead shopping complex store into an impromptu playground. This trend of using IKEA’s vast warehouses for games originated in Europe.
As the store staff became aware of the Facebook thread suggesting a large gathering, they promptly contacted the police. Five officers were dispatched to disperse the groups of youths, signaling the end of the hide and seek game. Police presence continued until the store’s closing at 8 pm, and word spread on social media, deterring others from participating.
