Leader: Shopkeepers call for more action

Mar 22 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SHOPKEEPERS have spoken of their fear of violence in the wake of Gurmail Singh’s death.

A survey conducted by the Examiner revealed that 94% of shopkeepers felt more threatened now than they did five years ago.

And a third say they have been victims of violence during the last two years.

But what is also concerning is the revelation that the perpetrators are getting younger.

Of the 33 shopkeepers questioned, they say children aged as young as ten are responsible for some of the problems they have to deal with.

To fear threats, intimidation or violence in the work place is not something anyone should face.

The statistics offer an insight into what shopkeepers encounter every day as they serve our communities and the results are worrying.

What they’re calling for is more support, more police patrols at problem times and action for incidents of petty crime where less that £10 has been taken.

By tackling the less serious incidents of crime it sends the message out that the shopkeepers do have the support they need to continue providing the services we all need.

For as long as the fear of threats remain, the views of the shopkeepers must be heard and acted upon to protect not only them, but all those who work in frontline services.