Moonah shopkeeper has video of teenagers using makeshift flamethrower and hurling abuse

Moonah businesses are fearful of teenagers who they say are assaulting and racially abusing them. Police and the local council are trying to tackle the growing problem.

As Moonah businesses say they face increasing assaults, intimidation and racist abuse, video footage shows a teenager spraying a shop owner in the face from a can he later ignites.

Newsagent Alan Yu has security footage of teenagers abusing he and a female staff member, who call the police.

He said there had been four “distressing” incidents in seven days at his newsagency and other businesses were fearful after “troubling acts of violence, theft and racism”.

“It is becoming very dangerous, you feel very unsafe in this area and all business owners suffer because of these teenagers,” Mr Yu said.

“Over the past few weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in teenage assaults, thefts, anti-social behaviour, and, most disturbingly, racially motivated actions along the Moonah business strip.

Youths harassing shopkeepers in Moonah. Image: CCTV.

“Several local businesses have reported break-ins and thefts, which not only cause financial loss but also instil a sense of insecurity among the shop owners and patrons.

“More alarming are the reports of physical assaults by groups of teenagers, which have left some community members injured and deeply shaken.”

Racist incidents, Mr Yu said, were “deeply offensive and damaging to the fabric of our multicultural community”.

“We pride ourselves on the diversity and harmony that characterise Moonah, and these incidents threaten to undermine these core values.

“The local authorities and community leaders must address these problems urgently to prevent further escalation and to restore a sense of safety and unity in Moonah.”

Youths harassing shopkeepers in Moonah. Image: CCTV.

Inspector Jim Semmens said police were regularly engaging with businesses and the Glenorchy City Council to “collaboratively address issues within the municipality”.

“Police are aware of recent concerns from businesses in Moonah regarding anti-social behaviour of youths, and proactive police patrols of the area are continuing,” he said.

“Police responded to a matter on Main Road, Moonah shortly after 6pm on Tuesday following reports of a disturbance involving youths.

“A search of the area was undertaken and advice was provided to the business owner.

“Police are committed to holding youth offenders to account, and when authorised by law we will continue to arrest and charge youth offenders and put them before our courts.”

Acting Glenorchy mayor Sue Hickey, who met with Mr Yu on Friday, said like many other councils, Glenorchy was “not immune to youth anti-social behaviour and crime”.

“I met with a trader who has been targeted four times recently. It was heartbreaking hearing his story,” she said.

“Our very popular Moonah restaurant strip features many establishments run by our multicultural community members.

“As a council, we are saddened and appalled by racist-motivated attacks of any kind.”

Ms Hickey said after a meeting with Moonah traders facilitated by council in February extra CCTV cameras were installed in Moonah.

She said council continued to work with business owners and Insp Semmens to try to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and the impacts it had on the community.

Originally published as Moonah shopkeeper has video of teenagers using makeshift flamethrower and hurling abuse