Support after attacks on business

A South Otago businessman subject to a series of attacks on his property says he has been "heartened" by the community response to his plight.

Former Afghan refugee Bilal Barekzai, now of Dunedin, had his story published in the Otago Daily Times last week after his Milton used car parts business suffered an alleged arson attack on January 11.

Mr Barekzai told the ODT the fire was the latest escalation in more than 40 instances of property damage and theft at his State Highway 1 business Kiwi Auto Parts since he opened it in August last year.

There were indications on social media the attacks might have been racially motivated.

At the time, Mr Barekzai was critical of the police response to the alleged offences, which he claimed had been minimal, and had played down the incidents’ seriousness.

However, since the story’s publication, Mr Barekzai said he had received a further visit from local police, which he described as "reassuring".

He had also received numerous messages of encouragement and support from the wider community.

These had encouraged him to remain in the town and develop his business.

"Although I still don’t think the police will bring a prosecution against anybody, now I feel like they’re at least taking the attacks seriously and watching out for further offences.

"We’ve also had a lot of positive contacts from people giving us their support and saying this isn’t normal behaviour. People have been amazing, offering home-baking and financial support and just dropping by to say hello, which we really appreciate."

Mr Barekzai said he had come to Milton after seeing its slogan: "town of opportunity".

The Clutha District Council recently announced plans to invest more than $20million in the town’s infrastructure and public spaces during the next three years.

A visit from Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan had served to reassure Mr Barekzai his decision to stay had been the right one.

"We talked about some of his plans for the town, local life, and beefing up security at the yard.

"In business, if you work hard, opportunities will come. You can’t live your life in fear, so we plan to keep on moving forward with Milton."

Lines of inquiry remain open in Mr Barekzai’s cases.

■ Police 105; Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.