Larry Wisdom, a Nigerian living in South Belfast, Northern Ireland, has been distressed by a string of racially motivated attacks on his property. Vandalism has occurred multiple times at his home in Belvoir over the past eight months.
Unknown individuals have vandalized Mr Wisdom’s home and car in racially motivated attacks. They have thrown rocks at his living room window, damaged his car’s windows and bodywork, and also punctured a tire. The police are investigating these incidents as hate crimes on Downhill Avenue.
Mr Wisdom, a 51-year-old with fibromyalgia and depression, believes that his car being set ablaze years ago and recent vandalism targeting him are racially motivated. He is afraid and does not know who is responsible. Mr Wisdom stated that he fears for his life.
Mr Wisdom emphasized that the attacks are racist, as his car was the only one targeted in the area. He is originally from Nigeria but he moved to the Irish Republic in 2000 and Northern Ireland in 2016.
Mr Wisdom also criticized the police for their inadequate response to the vandalism. He wants to identify the perpetrator to ensure his safety while walking on the street.
However, the police confirmed that there were five reports of vehicle-related criminal damage and one report of a broken house window between May 2020 and January 2021. A hooded man smashed Mr Wisdom’s car window on June 6, leading to a hate crime investigation.
Inspector Tori Anderson further emphasized the seriousness of hate crimes and urged victims and witnesses to seek police support. Anyone with information on the incidents has been requested to contact the police at 101, quoting the reference number 1212 08/06/23.
