Retail leaders and Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger have expressed deep concern following a series of violent attacks on dairies across the city.

As first reported by chrislynchmedia.com, Opawa dairy owner Kamlesh Patel was stabbed in an aggravated robbery this morning.

He was rushed to hospital in a moderate condition.

A 14 year old boy has been arrested in relation to that attack.

On Sunday night, a dairy in Heathcote was held up at gun point.

The staff member was forced to lie on the ground for four minutes, while offenders stole items from the shop.

Vice Chair of the Dairy and Business Owners Group Himanshu Parmar told chrislynchmedia.com the latest attacks were deeply disturbing and his thoughts were with the injured retailers and their families.

He said this morning’s incident involving Kamlesh was especially upsetting, given the victim has spent years advocating for better safety measures for shop owners.

Parmar said violent offences against retailers were increasing across the country.

He described a pattern of aggravated robberies that had become more frequent, more violent, and carried out with offenders who appear less concerned about consequences.

He cited recent incidents in the Waikato, including three aggravated robberies in the past two weeks in Cambridge, with no arrests made to his knowledge.

He said there was a seasonal rise in violent crime that he referred to as a Christmas syndrome, where pressure and desperation contribute to spikes in offending.

Parmar said Christchurch retailers needed visible and proactive policing, rapid response when incidents occur, and consistent follow through from authorities.

He said confidence in current prevention and enforcement measures was mixed, with some improvements under the current government but ongoing concerns that retailers were carrying most of the burden.

He said small independent stores were at higher risk because they do not have the security infrastructure or staffing that larger chains can rely on.

He said many of these stores are run by migrant families, operate long hours, and are located in areas with low police visibility, making them easier targets.

Parmar encouraged retailers to strengthen security procedures, ensure staff are trained for high risk situations, and avoid confrontation during any incident.

He said every incident should be reported so the true scale of the problem can be recognised.

Parmar said Christchurch’s retail community is resilient, but the current environment is becoming impossible to manage without stronger action from government and police.

A local resident of the Opawa community and a loyal customer has set up a Give a Little page to support the family.

“I set up the Givealittle page to support our local dairy owners family during this incredibly difficult time.

“This morning, I was out for a run and passed by the dairy at 6:30 AM when the owner was opening up.

“We exchanged good mornings, and I planned to return shortly to make a purchase. It was devastating to come back and find the shop surrounded by police.

“The owners are always a joyful presence in our community, kind-hearted, and often share jokes with my children. They truly are a wonderful part of our community, and I think it’s important to show support and solidarity to them in this time.

Messages of support have been flowing in for the injured man. One person wrote on Chris Lynch’s Facebook page “he is the loveliest man, all my love to his family. I hope he is going to be ok.”

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said ” I was really shocked to hear what happened in Opawa. No one should have to worry about their safety just going to work, and it is awful to see this sort of violence in our city.

“Christchurch looks after its own, and it has been good to see people getting in behind the dairy owner.

“My thoughts are with him, and I want to thank Police and St John for their quick response. This kind of behaviour has no place in Christchurch” Mauger said.

Christchurch District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said the boy was arrested at an address in Woolston about 3.45pm today.

He faces serious charges and is expected to appear in the Christchurch Youth Court tomorrow.

“This morning’s attack on an innocent person is shocking, but I hope this arrest brings some comfort to our community.

“The investigation team is working relentlessly to track down those involved.

“Their efforts led us to a property of interest this afternoon, where we executed a search warrant and arrested the youth.”

“Our work to find these offenders won’t stop,” Superintendent Hill said.

“We know other people were involved in this incident and we need to hear from people in the community if they have information that could help us locate the offenders.”

Police have identified the vehicle in which the offenders arrived and fled from the store.

It is a silver Toyota MarkX, with the registration number NRP221.

“We would like anyone who may have seen this vehicle in the Opawa or surrounding areas to please contact Police immediately.”

Anyone that has information to assist Police can update us through 105 either online, or over the phone, using reference number: 251202/2804.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.