Police are hunting a 'reprehensible' thief who may have been behind three separate break-ins at a city centre coffee shop.
The Paper Cup Coffee Shop in Queen Square was smashed up and stolen from for the third time in two weeks last night. The business works to specifically support homeless people in Liverpool.
Merseyside Police have said they are determined to find anyone responsible for the repeated break-ins that have caused a huge amount of damage for the coffee shop and forced it to close on several occasions.
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Inspector of community policing Jack Woodward said: "To break into a local cafe is completely reprehensible, particularly one that helps to support the homeless and rough sleepers. We’re determined to find the person or persons responsible and bring them to justice.
“Burglaries from cafes, or any type of business for that matter, are not victimless crimes as they have a huge impact on the community in many ways. If you have any information to help find those responsible, please get in touch.”
All three break-ins at the coffee shop have seen someone smash a front window and gain entry to the premises, causing damage before stealing small quantities of cash.
Paper Cup owner Michelle Langan said: "It can't be a coincidence that this has now happened three times in two weeks. It feels like we are definitely being targeted now, which is horrible and scary and sad. Why would you target a coffee shop that specifically supports homeless people in the city? Once again it is the homeless who will be missing out. They are really upset and feel personally targeted themselves."
If anyone has any information they are asked to contact Merseyside Police's social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or via the Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook with reference 23000277672.
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