Kilburn Muslim family “living in fear” after spate of Islamophobic attacks
Categories: Latest News
Friday November 18 2016
The Kilburn Times reports on a Muslim family that is “living in fear” following a spate of alleged Islamophobic attacks.
Bilal Ahmed, 32, spoke to the local paper expressing his concern that his family’s plight and their repeat victimisation was not being taken seriously by the police.
Mr Ahmed said the family had endured animal faeces being left on their doorstep and his car repeatedly vandalised outside their home in north west London.
In the most recent attack occurring last week, Mr Ahmed said an offensive racist slur was etched on the bonnet of his BMW convertible, the windows were smashed, the bodywork was “keyed” and his car roof was slashed.
Mr Ahmed said his insurance company had advised the car may now be a “write off” because of the level of damage caused.
In another incident recounted by the victim, he claimed “several used women’s sanitary products were thrown on his doorstep.”
Mr Ahmed said: “This has happened six times and I feel like I am being ignored by the police.
“I have told the police I am a victim of hate crimes but it’s not being taken seriously. I’ve even had an officer smirk when I was telling her what has been happening. I was so angry I nearly threw her out of my home.”
Mr Ahmed said other Muslim and black neighbours have also been targeted.
Mr Ahmed added: “Do the police have to wait until someone is seriously hurt or killed before something will be done.”
A police spokeswoman from Brent police confirmed they were investigating an allegation of criminal damage to a car involving a racist comment scratched into the bonnet and extensive damage to all panels and the roof, as well as criminal damage to a nearby vehicle. The spokeswoman also noted reassurance patrols were being carried out in the area following the attacks.
She said: “Brent Police take all allegations of racially motivated crime seriously and will investigate robustly. In addition, the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team will be conducting reassurance patrols in the area.”