The East Tamaki intersection echoed with the sounds of honking cars on Tuesday morning as passerby drivers lent their support to retailers protesting peacefully against retail crime at the busy crossing.
The protesters, gathered in significant numbers, attentively listened to members of the Auckland Indian Retailers Association (AIRA). ‘Beep for us’ read the signs, urging passing vehicles to support the cause.
Local Kiwi-Indian business owners organised the peaceful protest in response to escalating violent crime and increasing fear. They are calling for stricter measures against youth offenders.
Gurdeep Singh, 50, the owner of Pooja Jewellers, was attacked last week by teenage armed robbers wielding a hammer and a knife.
The assault took place at his family-owned store on Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, last Sunday. Singh suffered a fractured skull and underwent surgery at Auckland City Hospital. He has since been discharged and is recovering at home with his family.
"It feels very good to see retailers shutting their shops in support of Gurdeep," said Kuldeep Singh, Gurdeep's elder brother.
The next step for AIRA is to "file a petition," according to Secretary Jagdeep Sidhu. "We want the government to introduce rehabilitation programmes for the distracted youth of New Zealand who commit such offences," he said.
Three teenagers, aged 15, 16, and 17, have been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The 16-year-old faces an additional charge of aggravated assault, while the 15-year-old is also charged with assault.
ACT Party list member Dr Parmjeet Parmar attended the protest and spoke with Gurdeep's family and other protesters.
AIRA President Rajesh Goel said,"This protest is not affiliated with or endorsed by any political party. This is just our voices against retail crime in New Zealand."
The protest saw strong participation from young retailers, including pizza shop owners and jewellery store owners. The protesters unanimously agreed that they had come to New Zealand with hopes of a "bright and safe future".
"If the safest country in the world cannot keep us safe, then what is the point of being here?" a young protester remarked.
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