Substantial amount of cash stolen in Oswestry coffee shop burglary

Milano's coffee shop, in Old Chapel Court, was broken into in the early hours of Wednesday, with two people prising the door of the shop open and breaking into safe.

A substantial amount of cash has been taken and West Mercia Police are now on the hunt for the culprits.

It is the biggest theft the shop has suffered, and owner Jonathan Roberts said it sad not just for himself and his wife, but everyone in Oswestry.

He said: "My wife has been from here for years, and I've settled here and it is just my favourite place in the world, and it is sad for us and the town that something like this has happened.

"They have spent about 15 minutes in here, found the safe and stolen a substantial amount of money.

"Police have been here getting forensics and there is CCTV of the pair, so hopefully something will come of it, we don't know.

"Thanks goes though to all our customers who have been fantastic, and very supportive."

Mr Roberts described how the culprits went to great length to get at the shop, scaling two walls and going over a wire fence and an eight foot iron gate.

The shop has been hit before, by youngsters getting in through a fire exit and sitting having tea, before stealing cans of soft drinks.

The culprits were caught on that occasion but this is much bigger.

Mr Roberts added: "It was quite disappointing to discover it, but we were able to open the following day which was good.

"After the last theft, the landlord to be fair to him put up a new iron gate but they've got over that as well.

"We just have to hope the police catch the culprit."