NEW owners of a popular café were left frustrated after their new business was broken into.

The Torsbeanie Corner Café in Weavers Court, Halstead was broken into yesterday evening.

The front window was smashed with the till register opened and damaged.

Ian Birch, from High Garrett, took over the café with his wife Vickie, in January.

They have seen a successful start to their new venture, however this event has caused a loss of trade, as well as sadness for the pair.

READ MORE >> Couple adds to ongoing food business by taking over popular cafe

READ MORE >> Couple's venture into new restaurant business going well as changes begin

Ian said: “I was phoned by the police at around 9:30pm last night, after the coop next door phoned them I believe.

“They needed the keyholder, so I came down, and stayed until about 1:30 in the morning.

“The front window was smashed; nothing was taken apart from a small charity pot where we collect money for MIND.

“I take all the money every evening to leave nothing in the store, so it was really a waste of time if anything.”

The café is connected to the same alarm system as the coop, which closes at 10pm, therefore it was not on at the time.

The workers in the coop at the time were alerted to the situation by the noise.

Ian added: “The whole front of the forecourt is covered by CCTV, so the police have a good amount of footage of the man that did it.

“Thankfully no one was hurt, and nothing was taken.”

Essex Police investigations are ongoing, with the café closed throughout Wednesday to continue investigations and fingerprint analysis around the till and shop.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called to reports of a burglary at a café in Weavers Court, Halstead shortly before 9.30pm on 8 February.

We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage to contact us."

Ian explained what the situation has caused for him and his wife Vickie.

He said: “It is more of an annoyance and inconvenience than anything else.

“The damages will obviously cost some money and we lose a day of trading.

“We pride ourselves in being a community café, with no judgement, we want it to be a safe and happy place to be.

“We are just a small family business and hopefully we can get back to normal as soon as possible.”

The Café is planning to open as normal today.