Symeon Kandias’ Briki Cafe in Melbourne’s north has been vandalised and a death threat was left behind in what is believed to be a politically-motivated attack.
According to ABC News, a brick was thrown through the window of the Greek cafe on Hutton Street, Thornbury on Sunday night and a threatening note was taped to the door.
“Do what Dan Andrews says and we will burn your shop down and kill you,” it read.
Mr Kandias said he saw glass strewn all over the pavement in front of his shop when he turned up to work in the morning.
“It was a bit confronting, to be honest,” he told the national broadcaster.
According to the Victorian government regulations, it is mandatory for non-essential businesses, including cafes, to ask patrons for proof of vaccination.
Mr Kandias said he couldn’t think of a reason his business was targeted as he has never made a political statement and follows COVID-19 restrictions.
“I have never experienced anything or [seen] anything like this before here in Melbourne,” he said.
“I am just trying to keep myself and the community safe… If we, the little guys, don’t follow these rules, we won’t survive.”
On Sunday morning, a man was caught on CCTV taking a brick to two other Thornbury hospitality businesses – GRK Greek Kitchen and Bar and the Thornbury Taphouse.
GRK Kitchen and Bar’s, Effie Stratkis, told Nine News the action against small businesses wasn’t fair.
“We don’t make the rules we just follow them, so it’s a shame to take it out on a small business,” she said.
Victoria Police have confirmed they are investigating whether the attacks are linked.
Source: ABC News.
