Owner devastated after cafe break-in

The owner of a new seafront cafe has been left devastated after her business was broken into in the early hours of the morning.

Creams of Seaham on North Terrace was targeted at about 2am on Tuesday, when two men forced their way into the shop before stealing the till and the cash inside.

Police believe the men then left the scene in a dark-coloured

Peugeot 206 and have now launched an investigation into the incident.

The cafe has been offering a takeaway service during lockdown.

Devastated owner Helen Manners said she has already had to face numerous challenges due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic since opening her business in June 2020.

Helen said: “We just hope that the people responsible get caught. It has been hard enough opening a new business during a pandemic without having to deal with extra costs and loss of earnings due to this.”

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “Officers were called to reports of a burglary at Creams of Seaham, in North Terrace, Seaham.

“Two men are believed to have forced entry to the shop at around 2am and stolen the till, which contained a quantity of cash.

“It is thought they made off from the scene in a darkcoloured Peugeot 206. “Enquiries are ongoing.” Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident reference number 20 of April 6. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.