Family-run cafe The Tea Cosy in Harold Hill targeted by thieves

A family-run café has been burgled and its front window smashed by vandals, in what the venue says is the latest in a string of thefts.

Proprietors of The Tea Cosy in Harold Hill’s main shopping centre, The Arcade, said they have been forced to pay at least £1,480 after thieves hurled a brick through their front window and took off with money.

Tana Simeoneva, a cashier, said she lost £180 in tips after a raid on Friday, May 26 at around 7.30am.

It was the fourth burglary in the last year, she claimed, but the first time thieves had smashed in through the front.

After 15 years in Harold Hill, Tana said The Tea Cosy, run by father and son Mustafa and Emre Soyler, is struggling to cope.

“I’m scared now to open the shop,” Tana said.

Previously the thieves had come in via the back door, Tana claimed, but had become more brazen in their most recent theft.

The window will cost £850 to replace, said Tana. (Image: Emre Soyler)

The Tea Cosy has had to stay open late to make up for time taken in the day to clean the mess and install a temporary fixture, Tana said.

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“I don’t know what’s going to happen but there’s nothing that we can do,” she said.

Tana said the window cost £850 to replace and there is nothing to stop the burglars coming back, but hopes the police can end their troubles.

No arrest has been made and enquiries continue, said the Met Police.