New task force and petition for Gurmail Singh

Mar 8 2010 by Kevin Core, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

New task force and petition for Gurmail Singh

A NEW task force is calling for shopkeepers to receive the same protection as postal workers in the wake of the murder of Gurmail Singh.

In a weekend of action following the murder of the Cowcliffe newsagent, the Home Office announced a pot of £50,000, which was matched by the council, to help improve retailers’ safety.

Family and civic leaders also gathered at the murdered 63-year-old’s premises on Saturday to launch a massive petition calling for tougher sentences for criminals who target shopkeepers.

Announcing the £100,000 to help retailers, Kirklees Council Leader Mehboob Khan said: “We are in discussions with the Yorkshire Independent Grocers Association (YIGA) and the community safety unit to look at the best way to spend this money.

“We want crimes against retailers to be treated equally with crimes against Post Office workers, because currently they are not.

“It doesn’t seem fair that those who attack ordinary retailers providing a vital community service do not get the same sentences as other front line members of the country.

“Certainly many post offices now are combined with shops.

“This has to have a long-term impact, we don’t want a series of quick projects that fizzle out.

“The average cost of digital CCTV is £3,000 and we may need more money.

“One consideration is obviously the businesses that are at the highest risk.