News / Crime
Brick attack follows protest at estate agents
An estate agent’s branch which faced protests after encouraging landlords to hike rents has had its windows smashed.
Bricks were thrown through the windows of CJ Hole on North Street, Southville, and a note was left on anarchist websites saying the estate agents had “arrogantly ignored a campaign by a local community”.
The branch was attacked on the night of August 31, four months after the original protests in April when about 200 people marched and handed in 11,000-strong petition.
is needed now More than ever
CJ Hole in Bedminster #Bristol has been attacked again Fancy telling landlords to put up their rent pic.twitter.com/HQGV9uu9fw
— David J E Wood (@DavidJEWood) September 1, 2015
The protest group, organised by tenants’ rights movement Acorn, was calling on the estate agents to withdraw their letter to its landlords suggesting they could raise rents because of a “buoyant rental market” in Bristol.
There is no suggestion Monday night’s attack is related to the original protest group.
An anonymous message posted on a number of websites, including Indymedia, said CJ Hole were encouraging property owners to take advantage of the housing crisis which is leaving people homeless and in poverty.
It said: “CJA have showed real resilience and single mindedness to make a stand for maximum profit regardless of the tough conditions faced by tenants everywhere.”
It added: “For greedy landlords and estate agents like CJA, decent, affordable homes don’t come into their sums. It’s all about investment opportunities and ruthless profiteering.
“Meanwhile, there is a huge increase in homelessness and the hostels are full to bursting. We don’t have to take this. Let’s fight for a world without landlords, where people’s homes are not for the profit of the rich.”
An Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman said the attack is currently under investigation. She added added: “April’s protest at the same location was peaceful, with no issues or crimes reported to us. On that basis, there is nothing to suggest this incident is connected with the original protest group.”
“We would ask any witnesses to contact us on the non-emergency number, 101, quoting reference 96314/15. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
CJ Hole has yet to comment on the brick attack.