Dairies and shops across Christchurch closed their doors today uniting in a nationwide protest following the fatal stabbing of dairy worker Janak Patel in Auckland.

Mukesh Patel has owned his South Brighton dairy for 19 years, but said the job is too dangerous so he’s moving back to India. It follows the killing of a dairy worker in Auckland.

“It’s one of the best part of the town and it’s a beautiful community. I’ve never had any trouble with anyone so far. But end of the day. Who’s the next? You don’t know. And you can’t live in fear 27/4 that somebody is going to come anytime and rob you and kill you.”

Mr Patel said he was sick of going to work feeling anxious.

“Not even the supermarket is safe anymore with the aggravated robbery at Moorhouse Countdown this morning. Our towns are not not safe. your life is more important than the money.

You have to be careful with your life, and it’s not worth it.”

Coastal Ward City Councillor Celeste Donovan said “my heart goes out to Mr Patel. I know a lot of residents are quite upset that he feels that he’s in this position.

Having lived in this area for a long time, I’ve gone to this dairy for a long period of time and I feel like it’s been the one constant being able to come to the same dairy.”