Brisbane shop owner Sukhninder Singh Sahota says he was forced to contact the police and the media to help stop a group of teenagers from entering the store because they were stealing, threatening and abusing him and nearby shop owners.
He said it was an impulsive reaction to Sunday evening's confrontation, which is one of about ten similar incidents over the past two weeks.
Sukhninder Singh Sahota runs a take away Indian shop at Brisbane’s northside suburb of Zillmere Source: Supplied
"[Shoplifting happens] a lot of times, but now we’re fed up with this torture and intimidation" he said.
"We are sick and tired. Everyone in and around this area and Zillmere train station suffering from this misbehave,” he told .
“Initially, we tried to help the kids by giving them food and drinks. But in the last few weeks the begging became a daily affair. If ignored, they will steal things from the shop.”
“They are threatening us, abusing, calling names based on our nationality, saying ‘curry munchers’ etc.”
“They are kids and teenagers who are taking advantage of their age. We are scared to know that there is no law to protect law-abiding citizens from this bunch of thugs.”
“Few years back, my wife was assaulted. But the perpetrator was young enough to be charged for this crime. We can’t just sit and wait to see these assaults to happen again.”
“Simply, we can’t take this anymore. We want police to take a strict action and the administration to be on our side to help us do our business.”
“We urge the government authorities to act appropriately. They must contact parents of these kids and teenagers. Please give them better education and counselling, if it is needed,” said Mr Sahota.
Mr Sahota has provided CCTV footage to the police showing the group shoplifting and indulging in abusive behaviour.
He also filmed two boys coming face to face with him, throwing pebbles and threatening to attack with him a stick.
Police have carried out patrolling of the area since the incident. A video footage also showed a Policeman talking to a group of teenagers roaming around the Zillmere shopping centre and the train station.
