Bristol butcher attacks could be down to one 'mad vegetarian'
Butchers shops across a city have been repeatedly vandalised in a series of deliberate attacks by a hooded man who smashes their windows.
Over the last eight weeks, six family butchers across the Bristol have been targeted 11 times between them.
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Director of Millhouse butchers Adrian Cunliffe with the brick that was thrown through his shop window
In most instances witnesses have reported a mysterious attacker hurling a brick or concrete block at the shop windows or doors, shattering the glass.
But there has never been a break-in, and nothing has ever been stolen.
Butchers are at a loss to explain the apparently mindless violence.
They have questioned whether it is the work of animal rights activists, or simply down to one "mad vegetarian".
The timing and locations would suggest a link between the attacks – one which is now being investigated by police.
Each has taken place in the early hours of the morning when few people are around to witness it, and a number of attacks have taken place on the same nights.
Three butchers had their windows smashed overnight on Friday and in the early hours of Saturday, two were targeted from October 28 to 29 and two on September 7.
Four butchers within just a few miles of each other have been attacked eight times – Millhouse Butchers, Molesworths of Henleaze, Gales of Westbury Park and Sheepdrove Organic Farm shop on Lower Redland Road.
Banables on Keynsham High Street was also targeted twice, and Powells of Olveston has been attacked once.
In one attack the culprit repeatedly hammered away at the reinforced glass of the shop front until it smashed, despite residents of the flat above having called the police.
But there has never been any suggestion as to why the apparently-linked attacks have been carried out.
Adrian Cunliffe, director of Millhouse Butchers, said he believed the two attacks on the shop had been the first in its 85-year-history.
Mr Cunliffe said: "There has to be a motive so maybe it is animal rights activists or someone with something against butchers. But surely they would put something on the brick or leave a note to say why it has been done, otherwise it would just be mindless vandalism."
Police spokeswoman Cath Foster said officers were keen to speak to a white man aged 20-30, of medium build and wearing jogging bottoms and a grey hooded top who has been seen near a number of the butchers around the time of the attacks.
Ms Foster said: "Police have investigated ten incidents of criminal damage at butchers shops in Bristol since September 1. Three of these incidents relate to victims who have been targeted more than once.
"We are looking into the possibility that these incidents could be linked although there is no evidence to suggest this at this stage."
16 Comments
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by The_Jester
Thursday, November 10 2011, 9:08AM
“The headline is very sensational.....
And then further on we get this gem with the BEP stating..."They have questioned whether it is the work of animal rights activists, or simply down to one "mad vegetarian".
Who are "they" that have questioned this could be one "mad vegetarian"?
The only statement that even comes close to touching on this is from Butcher Adrian Cunliffe.
"There has to be a motive so maybe it is animal rights activists or someone with something against butchers. But surely they would put something on the brick or leave a note to say why it has been done, otherwise it would just be mindless vandalism."
Someone with something against butchers.............transformed into the work of one "mad vegetarian" by the BEP Journo.
Laughable.
Back to the classifieds desk for you my son...”
by Alpin
Thursday, November 10 2011, 9:02AM
“can't be vegan's they would be to busy attacking grocery stores where eggs, butter and milk are held against their will!!!!!!!!!”
by Redrocky
Thursday, November 10 2011, 8:26AM
“I blame the vegans, bringing this country to it's knees.”
by max31268
Thursday, November 10 2011, 7:59AM
“Hardly an unhappy customer if more than one shop has been targeted.”
by Gavin
Wednesday, November 09 2011, 10:32PM
“No need to blame vegetarians - you don't know that's the case. Maybe it's a mad muslim or jew, they're not halal or kosher butchers are they?”
by GREASYRON
Wednesday, November 09 2011, 10:02PM
“In response to the actions of this thug, I calmed my nerves by cooking myself a nice bacon buttie with tomato ketchup.
There is nothing better in the world THAN A BACON SARNIE”
by pretzel4
Wednesday, November 09 2011, 5:18PM
“i live directly opposite one of the butchers. he has been targeted three times in a matter of weeks. there have also been posters on my road, one in the phonebox with a photo of battery hens.
i therefore also believe it is some form of animal rights activist(s).
whoever it is clearly has absolutely no brain cells to speak of. how is smashing windows going to help anyone? its not going to stop the slaughter of animals (if this is the motive) and instead will just make people angry with whoever is doing it.
there are much more constructive ways of getting a point across.
It is the idiotic person who resorts to vandalism cos they cant think of a decent way of doing it.
they are criminals. however it is dressed up, they are scum.”
by flowergirly
Wednesday, November 09 2011, 4:42PM
“This is discrimination against vegetarians! To say this is a mad vegetarian is most insulting, and to blame it on animal activists is unacceptable. This is more likely to be an unhappy customer or a personal issue. Could be a disgruntled employee or simply a person with issues or just a yob. I suggest they look at all the possibilties before putting the blame at an animal lovers door.”
by Vegaia
Wednesday, November 09 2011, 2:14PM
“Vandalism won't win anyone over. There are so many reasons to choose a vegan lifestyle. Here are two short inspirational videos to help everyone understand why so many are making this life-altering choice: http://tinyurl.com/cl6gurg and http://tinyurl.com/cxkf377”
by GREASYRON
Wednesday, November 09 2011, 2:14PM
“What's his beef?”