The ice cream truck wars pretty much worked like the stereotypical turf wars of gangs and mobs. If an ice cream truck was seen selling on another's turf, an attack was sure to follow. Glasgow in the '70s and '80s was filled with working-class citizens, and although it was being developed, some areas remained in poverty, per 9 News. Reports indicated that ice cream truck operators could make a good, honest living, but of course, selling stolen items will ensure more profit.
Ice cream truck vendors trying to make a good profit would want to sell on routes with the most customers. This started the turf wars, as the vendors fought for space and customers at profitable locations. Turf wars often resulted in smashed truck windows and slashed tires, per Owlcation. There were instances of robbery and assault as well. The increasing turmoil in the streets disturbed residents and the Glasgow police even assigned the Serious Crimes Squad, their top division, to stop the violence. The violence became more severe. Rocks, knives, and axes gave way to firearms. As Atlas Obscura reports, an 18-year-old was shot in the shoulder, permanently disabled as a result; an ice cream truck was robbed at gunpoint.
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