The daughter of a couple who run a Chinese take-away in Ramsgate say they are being terrorised by a gang of youths who throw eggs, hurl abuse and have smashed their window with a hammer.
Danny and Lin Mo have run the Mayflower in Ramsgate for 35 years with no trouble until recently.
Their worried daughter Kathy fears for what could happen next and wants them to retire early.
The 35-year-old says the gang congregate outside the business on Chatham Street, throw stones and eggs, bash the door and shout abuse at her parents.
“It started six months ago, but it has got worse with incidents now happening all the time” she said.
“I don’t think it’s a racist thing as it’s happening to other people too. If it’s not us, they’re terrorising someone else.”
She says there are between eight to 10 of them and that they split up into smaller groups to cause trouble.
“I’m stressed, angry and upset for my family,” she said.
“My dad is 60 and my mum 57. They have been there for so long and they are looking to retire in a few years – they don’t need to go through this.
“My dad sometimes ends up chasing after them but you don’t know what they’ve got on them – they might have weapons. I know they have a hammer as they hit the window with it.
“In one incident when they threw eggs, my brother started chasing after them and one of them threw a brick at him and injured his leg.”
Miss Mo is desperate for her parents to retire now.
“It’s just not worth it,” she said.
“I fear for their lives.
“My parents look after my little one who is 18 months old when I go to work and I’m so scared if anything was to happen – like if a brick came through the window. I’m just scared every single day for them.”
The family has notified the police and been told to keep a log of all the trouble.
Kent Police Sergeant Steve Moat, from Thanet Community Safety Unit said: “We are aware of concerns regarding nuisance behaviour and damage caused to commercial premises in Chatham Street, Ramsgate.
“Officers have attended and spoken to the victims about the incidents and provided security advice. Patrols will also remain vigilant in the area. Although we are not treating all reports as linked, nuisance behaviour will not be tolerated and we continue to carry out enquiries to identify those responsible.
“We ask people who may have information about any of these reports, to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting the relevant reference number.”
Incidents
Between 6pm and 6.50pm on February 24, a man received an injury to his leg after brick fragments were thrown during a disturbance in the Chatham Street area. (Ref 46/36480/19)
At around 7pm on March 20, a report of harassment was made after a group of young people had thrown eggs at the shop window. (46/62058/19)
At 6.05am on April 19, it was reported that wing mirrors from two vehicles parked in Chatham Street, Ramsgate were damaged. (46/74720/19)
At around 10pm on May 1, damage was caused to the window of commercial premises in Chatham Street. (46/82980/19).
