Fourth vandalism attack leaves shop owner 'scared'

A business owner whose shop has been vandalised with paint four times says the incidents have left her feeling "scared, frustrated and embarrassed".

Simona Girininkaite, 36, who has run Euro Supermarket on St James Road, Northampton, for three years, said her business was first attacked with paint in June.

The latest incident took place at about 23:30 BST on Saturday, when white paint was thrown at the outside of her shop, as well as another business opposite, and nearby paths and roads.

Northamptonshire Police said inquiries have been carried out in relation to the incidents.

Girininkaite, who sells items from across Eastern Europe and the UK, said: "We've just been targeted [again], throwing the paint all over the shop.

"A couple of weeks ago, they came inside the shop, they come wearing masks and spraying the paint."

She said she would not shut because she has "a family to feed" and she felt "scared, frustrated, embarrassed, because you don't know what you're going to do next".

"I don't know why they are targeting, me, my shop," she added.

She said the biggest incident was when paint was sprayed inside the shop at about 17:00 on Thursday, 16 July, which cost about £4,000 to clear up, as wine, food and goods all had to be thrown out.

She said her insurance could cover the costs, but if she kept on claiming, her fees would increase.

She appealed for the community to report anything suspicious to the police and "help us to find who did it and stop it".

Rufia Ashraf, Labour councillor for West Northamptonshire Council, said the incidents were "completely unacceptable".

She said the "unnecessary damage" meant businesses were being left to deal with the consequences and "deserved better".

"We all have a responsibility to look after our neighbourhood and stand together against vandalism," she said.

"Please don't ignore it. If you know something, report it."

Police said it was "aware of concerns raised regarding a number of reported incidents".

"Investigative activity has included reviewing CCTV footage, conducting intelligence checks and pursuing available lines of enquiry," they added.

The force said it understands the "impact these incidents have had on those affected and would like to reassure the local community that all reports of crime are assessed and investigated proportionately based on the available evidence and investigative opportunities".

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