A Fiji-Indian dairy shop owner in Hamilton is closing down his business of 13 years over safety concerns after repeated robbery attempts.
The Jai Jalaram Showgrounds Superette, located at 793 Heaphy Terrace in Claudelands, had been a staple of the neighbourhood, providing residents with essential groceries, snacks and other household items.
Owner Bhupendra Patel now says he has no choice but to close down his business. “It is not an easy decision as I have operated this dairy shop since 2010. But now I can't deal with the constant stress and fear of being attacked, robbed or ram-raided. It is no longer worth the risk to keep the shop open,” he told The Indian Weekender.
Minister of Police Stuart Nash, who resigned March 15, 2023, had earlier told Parliament retail crime rose by 39 per cent from 2021 to 2022, with over 100,000 instances occurring during that period.
The 64-year-old Patel said his decision to put down the shutters on March 19 was largely driven by constant fear of being targeted by criminals, which took a mental toll on him and his family members.
His shop has been a target of two robberies and one ram raid in the past. A robbery incident where masked men waving a machete had entered his shop a few weeks back reinforced Patel's decision to close operations.
“This is a sad situation for a country like New Zealand. I never thought the crime rate would be this high. The situation is getting worse day by day. I do not expect this government to do anything substantial to control crime, so there is no point wasting my time,” he said.
Patel came to New Zealand from Fiji about 22 years back and he lives with his wife, children and grandchildren. His family has told him to wind up his dairy business over concerns for his safety, as he primarily manages the shop alone from 7am to 7pm.
"Who will be responsible if I am hurt or killed during a ram raid or robbery? That is why my family wants me to take early retirement and spend time with them rather than being under the constant stress of being attacked. My family is happy about my decision,” he said.
Patel added his clientele, a majority of them Maoris, is upset the shop is being closed. "Over the years, I have established personal relations with many of my regular customers, and ever since I told them I am closing the dairy they have been really upset and have requested me to reconsider the decision," he said.
Patel’s story is not unique, as scores of small businesses across the country face similar challenges, with some shop owners choosing to close down rather than risking their safety and livelihood.
President of New Zealand Indian Central Association Narendra Bhana, a dairy owner himself, described the closure of the Hamilton dairy as sad and pointed to the financial costs of increasing crime.
"Retail crime costs New Zealand retailers over $1 billion each year and has a significant impact on those working in the industry, which is totally unacceptable. Recent escalation in ram raids is causing anxiety and depression in the business community. Many hard-working business owners are being forced to close their businesses. It will have a detrimental effect on the local communities throughout New Zealand,” he said.