Yobs target shop selling goods from Asia
Published: 00:00, 30 October 2006
Updated: 11:06, 30 October 2006
A SHOPKEEPER believes he has been the victim of racist yobs twice in just two months.
Since Dalip Kohli opened the Rarecrafts store in Rochester High Street some three years ago he has been targeted four times.
Mr Kohli feels it is because he sells specialist goods from Asia. His is the only shop in the road to be vandalised.
At some point between closing the shop on Tuesday, October 17, and opening the next day, a brick was thrown through a window and items worth £200 were taken.
Mr Kohli said: “I’m sick and tired of being targeted by vandals. They must be racist as it is only ever my shop that’s done. They see the items on sale and just seem to want to damage my shop and steal the goods. Only last month another window was smashed.
“They cost about £600 to repair, my insurance keeps going up and my business is suffering each time.”
He added: “I just want people to leave me and my shop alone, I’ve done nothing wrong and just don’t understand why I keep getting singled out.”
Ch Insp Peter Wedlake from Medway Police added: “We are investigating this incident fully. If Mr Kohli or anyone else feels that they have been targeted because of their racial or ethnic background, we will investigate the incident as such.
“We appeal to anyone who might have information about this or any other incidents to contact us on 01634 827055 or to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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Lynn Cox