A popular vegan café in Birkenhead was targeted by burglars for the second time in a week.
Jöro Vegan Eatery was opened by Sarah Blowers and Barry Hamill in 2017 in the basement of 47-48 Hamilton Square in Birkenhead.
It has since grown a successful reputation among both locals and others across the region and has been dubbed one of Birkenhead’s ‘hidden gems’.
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On Sunday, December 5, the owners of the business were “devastated” to discover the door to the restaurant had been smashed and their till had been raided with an estimated £500 stolen.
One of the owners of Jöro, Sarah Blowers, said she arrived at the restaurant at around 10.20am on Sunday and was met with the aftermath of the burglary.
She told the ECHO : “We had the float in the till and an envelope of money that was due to be paid to a supplier, all of it was taken.
“The thief closed the till after himself and also closed the front door behind himself as he left.
“We were devastated but just accepted what had happened and tried to move on, learn from the experience.”
After the incident, Sarah said Merseyside Police attended the scene to take statements from the owners and review CCTV.
The business was ransacked again just one week later on Sunday, December 12.
Sarah said she arrived at the restaurant at around 7.50am to find the door, which they had started 'screwing shut' after the first invasion, had been taken off by the frame.
She said: “We had screwed the door closed for safety, but this time the entire door frame had been smashed out of the wall in order to gain access.
“This time there was only about £20 in the till as we’d taken the float and money out on Saturday evening.”
Sarah said members of the team now feel “nervous” that another break in could occur, but they refuse to allow the recent events to stop them from trading.
Sarah said: “We’re obviously still upset after these break-ins and all the team are quite nervous that it may happen again since we’ve been targeted twice now, but we’re staying positive and trying to make the best of a bad situation.
“We have amazing customers that are so supportive and they’ve been helping us through this hard time, with so many offers to help clean up and mend the damages, our customers are why we’re here."
Informing customers about the most recent break-in this week, Jöro posted about Sunday's events on their social media pages.
Writing on Instagram and Facebook, they said: “We would like to thank everyone that came in to eat with us, had food to take away or ordered a delivery to support us this weekend after the break in we had.
“Your support doesn't go unnoticed and we are eternally grateful to have our Jöro family.
“Unfortunately, when we arrived earlier today we discovered we have had another break in earlier this morning.
“This burglary today will not stop us just like the last one didn’t.
“Love and appreciation from all of us at Jöro and a quick reminder for all of you to stay safe.”
Customers took to the comments section to send messages of support.
One person wrote: “Sorry about this! We love your café. Hope you’re okay.”
Another said: “This is just awful. What is wrong with some people!
“I’m so sorry guys. I hope those responsible are found and punished.
“Hope you guys are ok.”
A third person commented: “So, so sorry to hear.
“Keep on with the wonderful food.
“See you soon.”
Detective Inspector Darren Taylor of Merseyside Police said: “Business burglaries are not victimless crimes – this is a small independent business who, as with many in the service sector, have worked hard through an incredibly challenging time.
“These offenders have left the café with money the staff and owner have earned through hard work, and in forcing entry have caused damage to the property.
“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have been passing in a vehicle and captured dashcam footage, to get in touch.”
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 21000858715.
You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at Give information | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)
