’It’s become like a gang area,’ says Karama Shopping Plaza store owner

A KARAMA Shopping Plaza shop owner lives in fear his business will be targeted next after a group of unruly teens allegedly attacked a security guard

A Karama Shopping Plaza shop owner lives in fear his business will be targeted next after a group of unruly teens allegedly attacked a security guard

A KARAMA Shopping Plaza shop owner lives in fear his business will be targeted next after a group of unruly teens allegedly attacked a security guard.

The businessman, who asked not to be named, fearing he would be the victim of a an attack, said Monday night’s assault had shaken him.

He said the shopping centre had, “become like a gang area”.

He said the alleged assault started when a group of about 10 youths began screaming at the security guard about 6pm.

He said the group started to punch and push him before they ran away and the security guard gave chase.

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The guard is understood to have caught one of the youths before he was set upon by the group.

He said bystanders came to help the security guard and take him to safety.

He said it was almost a weekly occurrence that there was an incident at the shopping centre.

“They throw the rubbish from the bins, kick everything and smashing things,” he said.

He said he had even been robbed by people during business hours.

A police spokeswoman said police were investigating the assault of a worker and were in the process of finding out the circumstances around the alleged assault.

“It is believed the worker sustained minor injuries and was able to treat his injuries,” the spokeswoman said.

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A 17-year-old was arrested by police in relation to the alleged assault.

The business owner was concerned for his safety, especially after the latest incident.

“We don’t have any safety here, (we) expect anytime something will happen here,” he said.

He said when police did regular patrols of the area the place felt safer.

The security worker allegedly assaulted is a man in his mid-20s employed by Jambo Security.

Jambo Security director Salim Mohamed said the man was doing OK after the alleged attack.

He said abusive behaviour and shoplifting were major issues security staff had to deal with daily.

“It’s everyone’s problem and we are all trying to find a solution to deal with this,” Mr Mohamed said.