Vegan cafe in Birkenhead broken into for a third time

Joro Vegan Eatery based in Hamilton Square said they are worried they could be being targeted.

The café was first broken into in December 2021 when a thief stole £500 in cash and the till float.

“We are a small business and we have never had any issues with security before that happened,” café owner, Sarah Blowers, told the Globe.

After securing the café entrance the café was broken into for a second time just weeks later.

Damage from second break in

“This time he kicked the door frame away from the wall in order to gain entry but luckily he didn’t steal anything,” Sarah said.

On Monday, January 24, 2022, around 7.30 am the café was broken into for the third time.

Sarah said: “We had secured the door even more after the second break-in so this time to gain entry he smashed through the dining room window and kicked the wooden shutters out of the frame.

Damage from third break in

“We’re closed on Mondays, but we share the building with offices, so workers heard the commotion and came down to investigate which disturbed him.

“Luckily he didn’t steal anything this time but it’s just the simple fact that we keep getting broken into and he’s still out there and could break in again.”

Sarah said the break-ins have left her and staff feeling “exhausted”. She said: “The first time it happened we were in sheer shock and now it’s happened two more times we just feel desperate.

“We are worried that we are being targeted. No matter what we do it just keeps happening – it’s exhausting.”

CCTV footage of man

Since the recent break-in, the café has undergone upgrades to its security systems in the hopes to deter potential thieves from causing any more damage.

Sarah added: “It’s so annoying because the person is breaking in for nothing as they’re not getting away with any money.

Jöro Vegan Eatery

“They’re just causing damage to the building so what they are doing is completely pointless.”

The man was caught on CCTV which police are investigating.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm we received a report of a break-in at a café in Birkenhead on Monday 24 January.

“At around 7.30am the Joro Vegan Eatery on Hamilton Square was broken into and nothing was reported stolen. Window was damaged.

“Police attended and forensic and witness enquires are ongoing to identify the offender.

“Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 147 of 24 January.

“You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.”