UNACCEPTABLE HATE CRIME
Anger over vile racist graffiti at Turkish barber shops
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, has condemned graffiti attacks on a number of Turkish barber shops across Wearside.
It comes as a number of Turkish barber shops have been targeted by vile graffiti or notices, telling owners to “leave their shops” and that they are a “problem for people” in Sunderland.
The Echo understands that so far, Speedy Turkish Barber on Holmeside, Oscar Super Cutz on Fawcett Street, Jimmy's Barber Shop on Borough Road and Magic Scissors on Sea Road have all been subjected to the vile abuse.
It is believed the businesses, which are all closed under the current lockdown restrictions, have been targeted overnight between Thursday and Friday.
The graffiti across all shops says “leave your shop, your problem for people”.
One of the barbers who does not wish to be named said he has faced racism in his shop before.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Kim McGuinness, has vowed to crackdown on the minority in society who spread hate and divisions.
Ms McGuinness said: “This really is sad to see. Vandalism is completely senseless and is particularly unacceptable if it’s racially aggravated.
"I know there will be extensive enquiries to catch those responsible. This is not something we are prepared to tolerate in Sunderland. We will continue to crackdown on the small minority who choose to spread hate where it isn’t wanted and it certainly isn’t wanted in our region.”
Northumbria Police have confirmed that officers are investigating the incidents, which are being treated as linked and as a hate crime – vowing to bring anyone responsibly swiftly to justice.
A Force spokesperson said: “We are aware of a number of reports of criminal damage involving businesses in the Holmeside, Grangetown and Fulwell areas of Sunderland.
“They are currently being treated as a suspected hate crime and anybody found to be responsible can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting reference 1101 270121.”