Gurmail Singh: Exclusive survey into the violence shopkeepers face in Huddersfield

Mar 22 2010 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SHOPKEEPERS in Huddersfield have given a stark insight into the violence, threats and intimidation they face in the wake of Gurmail Singh’s death.

In a wide-ranging and anonymous survey carried out by the Examiner following the tragic loss of the Cowcliffe grandfather, 94% said they felt more threatened than they did five years ago.

A third have been victims of violence in the last two years.

More than two thirds said they had been threatened or intimidated during that time.

Only one in four felt they received enough support from authorities like Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Police.

And, tellingly, all but one of the 33 who responded to the questionnaire, said court punishments for violent offenders were not tough enough.

The survey revealed that the majority of perpetrators of violence and intimidation were aged between 10 and 20.

Shane Brennan, of the Association of Convenience Stores, said the results were a concern.

He added: “While violent incidents, especially of the kind committed against Gurmail Singh, remain incredibly rare, day-to-day intimidation and abusive behaviour are on the worrying increase and that needs to be addressed.

“It’s something the police and other agencies need to take very seriously.

“Since the tragic events surrounding Mr Singh, we have written to both the home secretary and the shadow home secretary calling for a review of sentences for those who commit violence in regional outlets.

“We need reassurance from police that they see these incidents in shops no different to the problems people might face in the street.”

Mr Singh, 63, died from severe head injuries after a robbery at Cowcliffe Convenience Stores, on February 20.

He had allegedly been bludgeoned with a weapon. Five people have been charged with murder and robbery.

Umare Aslam, 20, of Coniston Avenue, Dalton, and Muawaz Khalid, 20, of Blackmoorfoot Road, Crosland Moor, along with three 17-year-olds who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear at Bradford Crown Court in June.

One shopkeeper who responded to our survey spoke of the constant “fear of who is going to walk through that door.”

Another said: “Because we have been robbed or broken into so many times – well into double figures – and having to pay so much in excess on insurance an VAT charges, when you need the funds at these most vulnerable times, we haven’t been able to build the stocks, particularly of cigarettes, to the levels we would like.”

Another said: “Although the police help us in certain aspects of our work, we don’t feel we get enough support over certain areas.

“An example of this would be shoplifting – we have been told that unless the items stolen total over £10 in value the police will not investigate.”