Fourth vandalism attack leaves shop owner 'scared'
The supermarket has been targeted with paint four times since June, causing damage costing thousands.
The Euro Supermarket in Northampton has been targeted by vandals for the fourth time, leaving owner Simona Girininkaite, 36, feeling "scared, frustrated and embarrassed." The latest incident, which occurred around 11:30 PM BST on Saturday, involved white paint being thrown at the exterior of her shop on St James Road, as well as another business across the street and nearby paths and roads.
Girininkaite, who has operated the supermarket for three years, selling goods from Eastern Europe and the UK, stated that her business was first attacked with paint in June. She described a previous incident a "couple of weeks ago" where individuals wearing masks entered the shop and sprayed paint.
The most significant act of vandalism took place around 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 16, when paint was sprayed inside the supermarket. This incident alone resulted in approximately £4,000 worth of damage, as wine, food, and other goods had to be discarded. While her insurance may cover the costs, Girininkaite expressed concern that repeated claims would lead to increased fees.
"We've just been targeted [again], throwing the paint all over the shop," Girininkaite said, adding, "I don't know why they are targeting, me, my shop." Despite the emotional toll and financial burden, she affirmed that she would not close her business because she has "a family to feed."
Northamptonshire Police have been contacted for comment regarding the incidents.
The DIY Local Shop, located on the corner of Althorp Street, was also vandalized with paint on Saturday night.
Rufia Ashraf, a Labour councillor for West Northamptonshire Council, condemned the acts as "completely unacceptable." She emphasized that businesses "deserved better" than to deal with the consequences of "unnecessary damage." Councillor Ashraf urged the community to "look after our neighbourhood and stand together against vandalism," appealing to anyone with information to "report it."
Girininkaite has also appealed to the community to report any suspicious activity to the police to "help us to find who did it and stop it."