Detectives are keen to trace a group of men suspected of blackmailing a Birmingham restaurant owner as part of a ‘protection racket’.
The five men are believed to have demanded money − in the region of £500 per week − to keep the business and its staff safe.
The con, and subsequent threats, spanned a period of five months after the restaurant, based in the city’s busy Arcadian complex, opened for business in February.
The demands came both in person and directly to the owner, when he answered mobile phone calls from an unknown number.
The 31-year-old businessman was scared for the safety of his staff and his business and after initially ignoring the threats he contacted police when the group returned for a second round of demands in July.
DC Simon Cooper, from Force CID, is investigating the blackmail. He said: “The worry of this crime went on for several months, causing the business owner unnecessary stress.
“He initially just tried to ignore the men in the hope that they would leave him alone, but they later returned with further demands and so he called us to report his concerns.
“In such circumstances we would always urge people to contact police and steps can be taken to identify those responsible whilst safeguarding those who may be at risk.”
The offenders are all described as Chinese, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 9in tall and aged in their 20s. One of the men was carrying a little boy, another had dyed blonde, shoulder length hair.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Force CID at Smethwick police station by dialling 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
