Can't Sell, Can't Leave: Dairy Owners Want Out After Killing, Crimes
November 24, 2022
PHOTO: George Heard
A Christchurch dairy owner has confirmed he will shut his shop’s doors and move back to India, regardless of whether his business sells, following last night’s homicide in Auckland.
Two other dairy owners also want to quit but can’t, owing to lease restrictions and a struggling market.
Dairies have been one of many targets by offenders throughout most of 2022. The industry has now hit breaking point after the news a newly married dairy worker was killed during an aggravated robbery in the Auckland suburb of Sandringham.
When South Brighton dairy owner Mukesh Patel learned of the homicide, he made his mind up then and there.
The owner plans to shut his dairy’s doors for good in March next year and move back to India.
“I don’t care whether or not my business sells, I’ve had enough - my work is not more important than my life,” he said.
Mukesh had already warned his daughter and son-in-law on multiple occasions to not “waste time” and also sell their dairy.
Three of Patel’s friends, all Christchurch business owners, have left New Zealand for Australia.
He said the reason they left was due to feeling unsafe.
“At the end of the day, if there’s no support from Government then it’s just not worth it,” he said.