Coffee shop raiders steal cash destined for charity

BURGLARS broke into a family business and stole hundreds of pounds, including money destined for charity.

Intruders yanked open a window to the coffee shop at Viaduct Nurseries on Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, late on Saturday or the early hours of Sunday morning.

While inside, they raided the till, cashbox and charity pots full of money raised from book sales.

They also damaged a microwave oven as they climbed through the window and left the meat fridge open, spoiling the produce inside.

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In total, hundreds of pounds was taken, much of which was going to be donated to the charities Paul's Place, Brace, Hedgehog Rescue, Macmillan Cancer Care nurses and children being treated for brain injuries at Frenchay Hospital.

The nursery, run by Katharine and David Roddick, opened to the public three years ago.

Mrs Roddick told the Post: "It's not been a very good summer, what with the wet weather and the roadworks on Badminton Road. This has really set us back.

"They literally wrenched the window off. I guess they must have used a crowbar.

"One of the allotment holders nearby called me on Sunday morning about the window, so I knew something was wrong.

"Nothing like this has ever happened before. Where we are it feels really safe, but it just goes to show you still get scum everywhere.

"They even ate some cake, which was taken away by police, and left footprints all over the place, so hopefully the police will catch them.

"I would urge anyone who knows who did this to let the police know as soon as possible."

Mrs Roddick could not open for business on Sunday, but reopened yesterday.

The nursery and coffee shop is open 10am until 4pm, every day except Mondays.

They have recently had a new arrival of baby goats and other attractions include miniature donkeys Woody and Dylan, who love to be made a fuss of and fed by families who visit.

Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman Claire Stanley said: "Investigations are under way following a theft from a property on Badminton Road.

"A number of items were taken and we are continuing to work to identify the offenders."

Anyone with information about the crime should call police on 101, quoting log 95827/12, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

For more information about Viaduct Nurseries & Coffee Shop, call 01454 501312 or visit www.viaductnurseries.co.uk.