Dairy staff live in fear

Auckland dairy staff live in fear of being hurt, robbed, having their property damaged and police not arriving in time - if at all.

After the fatal shooting of Eden Terrace dairy worker Bhagubhai Vaghela last Sunday night, the Weekend Herald surveyed 60 of the 138 dairies in Greater Auckland.

More than five had been robbed recently.

Almost half of dairy owners said they felt helpless or were worried about the dangers of their job.

Although most stores have some kind of security system, including cameras, alarms, panic buttons and patrolling security guards, many owners wanted to remain anonymous for fear of making themselves more vulnerable.

More than 45 dairies had panic buttons or alarm systems connected to security companies, and 39 had surveillance cameras.

A significant number felt frustrated that there was nothing they could do to prevent stealing or property damage in their shops.

"At the end of the day, if they're going to steal, they're going to steal," said Ripeshphel of the Aviemore Dairy.

A Glen Eden dairy owner who migrated from China said, "New Zealand is not safe now".

Another owner who did not want to be named said he could not trust anyone and police did not come when he called them.

"Police take a long time to arrive," said a Glen Innes dairy worker. "The offender just runs away."

One person who worked in a Westmere dairy said he hardly ever saw police in the area. "If police patrolled more, the man [Mr Vaghela] would be still alive."

Dairy worker Nechu said his shop had been held up twice.

"Last year I was held up and friends have been held up a couple of times in the last few weeks," he said.

Nechu said his work was more dangerous than it had ever been.

Family Mart Dairy worker Renato said a window had been smashed .

"The police never come."