Huseyin Cicekli has stood up against anti-social behaviour threatening his business. Photo: Tony Gay

Tottenham shopkeeper vows to keep up fight against anti-social behaviour

by Flora Drury Thursday, July 5, 2012
7:00 AM

A shopkeeper who was attacked and had his store vandalised after standing up against antisocial behaviour says he is determined to keep up the fight.

Huseyin Cicekli – who owns a health and beauty shop in Walton Road, off Broad Lane, Tottenham – decided the only way to save his struggling business was to deal with the nuisance behaviour outside his store which was keeping customers away.

He reported each incident to the authorities in a bid to force them to deal with the problem.

But he ended up becoming a victim when those he reported attacked him outside his shop, forcing him to flee to a store across the road.

Mr Cicekli, who has owned the shop for about 14 months, said: “They vandalised my shop because I called the police. They attacked me. People have threatened me.

“They are using drugs outside my shop, using alcohol, and littering.”

Yet the 40-year-old is determined to continue fighting against the anti-social behaviour.

He said: “I don’t want to come to the shop in the morning. I am struggling to pay my bills but I invested all my money here. I call the antisocial behaviour department almost every day.

“Everyone needs to stand up for themselves. ”

And things are starting to turn around.

Tottenham Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team has been working with Haringey Council to tackle street drinking and littering in the area.

Officers from the local police team have been carrying out patrols in the area, enforcing the no street drinking zone and have visited every business to offer reassurance.

A police spokesman said the team will also continue to work with the community.

Mr Cicekli is beginning to see a difference. He said: “It does not happen just overnight, but working with police and the local authorities, you feel more confident and you can keep going.”