‘THIRD RAID IS FINAL STRAW’
FURIOUS CAFE OWNER SHUTTING UP SHOP AFTER THIRD BREAK-IN
A SICKENED Greenock businessman says he is shutting up shop for good after his popular cafe was smashed up by intruders for the THIRD time.
John Rasmussen says he has been left with no choice but to fold his John’s Joint premises after thieves raided it again and left a trail of destruction in their wake.
He is facing costs of £5,000 to repair the damage and says he can no longer afford to continue.
John, 57, said: “This is the final straw, I just can’t go on - enough is enough.”
A GREENOCK cafe owner says he is shutting up shop for good after his premises were smashed up by intruders for the THIRD time.
Furious John Rasmussen says he has been left with no choice but to fold his business after he turned up to find his John’s Joint premises on Dellingburn Street had been targeted yet again.
Thieves smashed two windows to get in and made off with just a handful of food, but they left behind a trail of destruction.
Over the last six weeks the business has been broken into three times.
John is facing a bill of up to £5,000 for the damage.
The furious 57-year-old said: “This is the final straw.
“I just can’t go on, enough is enough.
“It is costing too much money to keep going.
“I am working six days a week, doing about 70 hours. and then someone comes in and does this. “They are scumbags.
“I am having to fork out for it from my own pocket - this time they have caused about £1,000 worth of damage but all-in it has cost me £5,000 in the last six weeks.”
John says he has been left dismayed by recent events.
He said: “I have never had so much as a break-in the 23 years I have been in business up until now.
“I have spoken to my accountant this morning and I am wrapping it up.”
John says that the raids and clearup costs have compounded a surge in costs.
He said: “The rising energy bills are killing me - we used to get gas and electricity bills for £500, now it is £1,200.
“I can’t pass that on to the customers.
“We are still trying to do the best we can and offer the cheapest breakfast in town.
“We get good trade but I just can’t do it anymore.
“We have health problems in our family, there is enough going on.”
John’s Joint has been popular in the town in various places for two decades.
The first break-in was reported last month when windows were smashed and a charity box stolen and it was followed shortly afterwards by another.
John said: “It just doesn’t make sense, we don’t have any cash in here anymore.
“The police are sympathetic, but they catch people and then the courts let them out with a slap on the wrist.”
Anyone with information about the break-in should call Greenock police on 101 or pass it on anonymously to Crimestoppers on
0800 555 111.