The British Property Federation is concerned at the effect a third night of riots across the capital will have on small to medium sized businesses.
A BPF spokesman, said: “Any damage to property is of course appalling, but what has been truly heartbreaking is to see the carnage that has been inflicted upon small, family-run shops and businesses over the last three nights.”
The assertion follows a third night of vandalism and looting, which erupted on 6 August after the police shot 29-year-old Mark Duggan in Ferry Lane, Tottenham, N17, two days earlier.
Stores including JD Sports, Boots and H&M have been subject to vandalism across London and regional cities including Bristol and Birmingham.
However, Mark Hopkinson, director of Local Data Company, concurs with BPF that site owners of independent stores are particularly vulnerable.
He said that with 83% of the 127 stores on Tottenham High Road being classified as independent, it is unlikely all will be able to recover from property damage, or wait for insurance claims.
The BPF added: “These enterprises are often the lifeblood of their communities and have a vital role to play in maintaining the economic health of high streets across the UK.”
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
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