Break-in at city centre restaurant

A “LARGE quantity” of cash has been taken after a break-in at a well-known Cardiff restaurant.

Giovanni Malacrino, owner of Giovanni’s in Park Place, has shared CCTV footage appearing to show the alleged breakin at about 11.30pm on Sunday.

The businessman, who also has an Italian restaurant on Mill Lane, said he received a call from his security company alerting him that someone had broken in.

Police later released CCTV images of a person they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

Mr Malacrino said he watched a live stream of the CCTV footage.

“It was just so frustrating,” said Mr Malacrino. “I couldn’t do anything about it.

“They took a few hundred pounds from the till and the tips but it will cost more than £1,000 to replace the till.

“I’d been working all day and I’d just sat down to a nice meal and glass of wine when I got the call.

“It’s not just about the money though, it’s the inconvenience. They made a right mess and I don’t want my staff to feel unsafe.

“I think he entered with a knife because he came through the back and cut through the lock on the door. He could have left with a steak knife or anything.”

The video appears to show a man creeping around the restaurant before attempting to break into the till.

South Wales Police have since issued an appeal and have released stills of a man they want to talk to in connection with the break-in.

A spokesman for the force said: “A man has broken in through the back door and has taken a large quantity of money from the till. CCTV has captured a suspect.

“Officers are appealing to anyone who may recognise this man or anyone who may have information about this crime, to contact them on 101 quoting ref: 1800275651 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”