They told this paper they are increasingly fearful for their staff and customers, citing a perceived lack of police presence and declining community cohesion as factors.
These concerns come two months after an alleged arson attack on Indian Aroma – a restaurant in Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill – which saw three men and three women injured.
Qasin Bokhari, 39, founder of Bike Vibe in Woodford Avenue, felt that the number of customers shopping locally has been negatively impacted in the past couple of months.
Qasin said: “I feel worried because I do not think a lot of people are coming out in this area for restaurants and shops anymore.”
Manager of Eastern European food store Dracula Transylvanian Groceries, Jack Dickens, believes the community has been left traumatised and said his shop has been much less busy.
He does not think the area is safe for businesses and said his shop had been impacted by shoplifting twice in the past two weeks alone.
Jack claimed: “It is a wild, wild west for shoplifters and crime – and the criminals know that no-one is going to investigate.”
Mustafa, the 68-year-old owner of Serene Fish and Chips on Woodford Avenue, echoed those concerns.
He said: “I do not feel safe for myself, and I do not feel safe for anybody.
“This is my community, but I feel foreign now.
“We do not get the luxury of getting old and living comfortably.
“I feel like I have been let down, but I cannot pinpoint who exactly let me down.”
Manager of TGF Pizza, Ahmed, 40, expressed similar fears regarding the dangers of being a local shop owner.
“I have lost faith in everything.
“I feel like if somebody wants to hurt you, they can.
“The local community should get together and protect ourselves.”
A spokesperson for the Met Police described the alleged arson as “an isolated incident with no further threat to the public”.
They said: “We understand the fire in August, which is being treated as arson, caused concern amongst businesses and residents in Gants Hill.
“Officers regularly patrol Gants Hill and work with businesses to tackle offences such as shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.
“We’re also running community events so people can discuss any concerns with local officers.”
In September, a 16-year-old boy was charged with six counts of attempted murder, arson with intent to endanger life and possession of an offensive weapon.
Another 16-year-old boy has previously been charged with attempted murder in connection with the police probe.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met via 101, quoting 7559/22AUG.
To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
