The damage at Balibaris

HIGH-END shops on Hampstead High Street have been hit by “mindless vandalism” leading to warnings that businesses may quit the area if they are not protected.

Police are investigating damage to four shopfronts which were smashed on Monday evening.

The incident follows a similar night of vandalism two months ago when two other shops had windows broken.

Dejana Jancuric who works in the American Vintage fashion shop, said: “There was an insane amount of glass inside the shop that I had to clean up. What are they gaining? Smashing the windows in this way, it seems like they are achieving nothing. It seems very odd. I get worried that someone is watching the shop or that someone may come back in the day to finish what they started.”

Daniella Shelton, the sommelier at INÉ, a Japanese restaurant on the High Street, which also had its shopfront attacked, said: “It feels a bit more sinister, I don’t know if someone has a grudge with the High Street but it does definitely feel sinister. There’s nothing we can really do. We will try to cover up the damage with posters until the windows can be replaced. It would be good to find out what is going on.”

INÉ, a Japanese restaurant on the High Street

Russell and Bromley suffered a similar act of vandalism in July.

A manager told the New Journal:“Brands may be more likely to move out of the area if they see continuous damage to businesses. It’s an act of mindless vandalism.”

Linda Grove, who lives in Belsize Park and alerted the New Journal to the damage this week, said: “I think it is all to do with how people feel at the moment. They are angry and if they can vandalise maybe it gives them a sense of power.

“People are angry because of low incomes and no jobs and the fact they can’t own a property, they’re disenfranchised.

“Shops have been vandalised in the same way down in Belsize Park as well, windows smashed. A wine shop for example had its frontage smashed not too long ago, also in Daunt’s bookshop. I think it’s probably just opportunist.”

In March last year a number of shops on Hampstead High Street were hit with graffiti tags which resulted in increased Hampstead Town Safer Neighbourhood foot patrols in the area. The Camden Conservatives at the time urged the council to “clean up ASAP to avoid a broken window effect in the area”.

This week Liberal Democrat councilor Linda Chung said she had written an open letter to Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley asking for Hampstead police station to be bought back, or some form of base for officers.

Linda Chung

Cllr Chung told the New Journal: “I’m afraid the police and our community safety people are very, very stretched. We want our police station back.

“We’ve got a very good local team but they can’t be everywhere all at once and there seems to be a feeling of lawlessness at the moment.”

She added: “I’m afraid the police wanting to act with any sort of speed is not possible. They just haven’t got the resources. I hope they increase foot patrols but I think we just all need to remain very vigilant.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police: “An investigation is under way following reports of windows having been smashed at four business premises in Hampstead High Street.

“Officers will be speaking to affected business owners and establish potential CCTV opportunities. They added: “Anyone with information relating to these incidents who has not yet spoken with police should call 101 Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.”