Deli is robbed of ‘thousands’ worth of meat

THE OWNER of a kosher deli in Prestwich has described a robbery over Shabbat as a blow to his goal of “being the best kosher shop in Manchester”.

Thieves broke into Boyko’s grocery and delicatessen through the front window and stole “thousands of pounds” in stock — mostly kosher meat — according to proprietor Menachem Lietner, who has run the business as a kosher outlet since purchasing it in January.

He told the JC that the freezer was left “wide open”, spoiling its contents, including bagels, vegetables and fish.

“I had big visions for this place — make it a proper kosher experience in the American style, with really strong branding. We were trying to make it the best shop in Manchester. This is a blow and very disheartening. This whole week I’ve just been on the phone to beef up security. But we will keep looking forward and forging ahead. We will keep trying.”

Not living in the immediate vicinity of the store, he only learned of the break-in on Sunday morning after an employee made several attempts to contact him on Shabbat.

In addition to food stock, Mr Lietner said several computers and internet servers had been stolen, taking losses over an initially-estimated £3,000.

No arrests have been made.