Cameras aim to combat racism

A senior police officer has apologised for the time it has taken to install audio-visual cameras designed to help catch those responsible for racist attacks on two Polish food stores.

The cameras were installed on Tuesday, five weeks after the installation was agreed and the £1,000 needed was made available.

There have been no further incidents at the Bocian Polish Food Store, Albert Street, and Maja, a delicatessen on Barnbygate, since the Advertiser reported that cameras were being installed.

Previously staff had been spat at and racially abused. A spanner was thrown at a window.

The cameras were approved by Nottinghamshire police’s race-hate crime unit.

Inspector Martin Holford, of Newark police, said: “I apologise it has taken so long to put the system in.

“There are administrative lessons that we clearly have to learn and the process will be tightened. The outcome, though, is that the cameras are in.

“We wanted to support the Polish community here in Newark.”

An owner of the Bocian shop, Miss Paulina Nowak, said she was happy to have the cameras.

“Now we have protection. We have had smashed windows, eggs on the windows, people kicking the door and calling us names,” she said.

“I think having the cameras will help because if people know we have CCTV they won’t come.”

The MP for Newark, Mr Patrick Mercer, visited both shops on Friday to offer his support.

At the Bocian Polish Food Store, Mr Mercer met Miss Nowak, who runs the shop with her boyfriend.

Miss Nowak said it was mostly teenagers who caused the problems. She said some, who were banned for shoplifting, returned and made racist comments.

“Why young people cannot be happy and want to work and respect others here I don’t know,” Miss Nowak said.

Mr Mercer said it was unacceptable that such behaviour was taking place and assured Miss Nowak that the majority of Newarkers would agree.