Businessman hits out at racist abuse after tyres slashed

Businessman hits out at racist abuse after tyres slashed

16 June 2021

A CROSSGAR business owner has called for the racial abuse he is receiving on a weekly basis to stop.

Burhan Ahmed (24) owner of Ali’s Kebab and Pizza, discovered that the tyres on his van had been slashed with a knife, in what he calls “the latest in a long list” of targeted anti-social behaviour. 

Mr Ahmed had to pay for the replacement of his tyres with his own earnings, leaving him £160 out of pocket. 

The Downpatrick Street-based takeaway owner says he will be reporting all further matters to the police.

“I am scared that they will continue to target the shop, I have a hard time sleeping as it is making me feel very depressed. I feel very anxious about the whole situation,” he said. 

“I have had problems with youths outside and inside my shop ever since I moved into the Crossgar area.

“I do not want trouble with anyone, we at the shop are trying to provide a service to the community and we aim to give back by hiring local staff.”

Mr Ahmed says his employees are being verbally abused on a weekly basis and that young members of staff regularly receive abuse with racial undertones.

“I have had people that enter my shop and shout obscenities or speak inappropriately to staff members,” he said. 

“A few of the employees are as young as 16 years old, and there are customers directing racial and derogatory slurs about me to them, which leaves the staff distraught.”

Mr Ahmed has expressed previous concerns about the anti-social behaviour surrounding his premises before via his social media platforms and has received comments of support relating to the ongoing issues.

“I am grateful to the wider community who have sent me messages of support because they know it is happening and that it is unfair,” he said.

“However, something else must be done, my shop cannot continue to be targeted like this.”