Top Cafe in Deepdale has been broken into and the owner is appealing for the help of residents.

While the owner is unsure when the break in took place, they believe it was during the early hours of Saturday morning (6 November).

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They have not been in the position to purchase CCTV, so do not have any images of the incident, but would urge anyone in the area who does have CCTV to check it.

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Police have been to the premises and have taken prints and have found the print of a size eight work boot.

The till was found smashed up and abandoned on some wasteland in the Holme Slack area. All meat products were stolen by the perpetrator, which left staff unable to open the shop over the weekend.

The till contained money for the Poppy Appeal which had been collected, and the cafe was left in a ‘state’ – food had been thrown around and rubbish had been placed in the kitchen. Bins were also strewn across the car park when they had been dealt with on Friday.

There was severe damage to the back door, and police believe the perpetrators may have used a power tool, potentially a grinder, to cut through the metal lock.

Top Cafe owner Helen Ball said: “It’s absolutely devastating and any help in trying to find them would be appreciated.”

If you have any information, call 101 quoting the crime reference number LC-20200630-0333.

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