Investigation launched after two popular Sheffield cafes broken into within minutes of each other

Two Sheffield cafe owners have been left counting the cost of criminality after both their premises were broken into last night.
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Cafe#9 and Bench, which are situated just yards from each other on Nether Edge Road in Nether Edge, were both broken into on Wednesday evening.

Windows were smashed at both premises, with an iPad being taken from Bench and the till from Cafe#9 being stolen.

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Johnny Dean from Cafe#9.Johnny Dean from Cafe#9.
Johnny Dean from Cafe#9.
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Only about £40 was in Cafe#9’s till but owner Johnny Dean said the damage to the large window in their door would probably be much more costly.

He said the break in was the first thing to happen to him in seven years of running the popular cafe, which also hosted regular music nights in non-Covid times.

He said: “You do expect it someday but it is still an inconvenience. The main thing is all the glass everywhere.”

“We have just about been limping through as best we can but this is just anothee one of those things I suppose.”

Windows at both Cafe#9 (left) and Bench were smashed during the break-ins.Windows at both Cafe#9 (left) and Bench were smashed during the break-ins.
Windows at both Cafe#9 (left) and Bench were smashed during the break-ins.
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Bench also saw one of their front windows smashed, with owner Jack Wakelin describing the break in as the last thing they needed so soon after reopening.

He said: “We’ve got a new window coming today but I’ve no idea how much it will cost. We’re insured but whether it will be worth claiming I don’t know.

“We’ve had lots of messages from people in the neighbourhood and other shops though. The community has been really supportive.”

Detectives are reported to have acquired a blood sample from Bench which is believed to be from one of the burglars.

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A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to Café#9 in the Nether Edge area of Sheffield yesterday night (Wednesday 22 April) at 11.35pm to reports of a break in.

“It is reported that two men, one wearing a blue hoodie, the other a grey hoodie, were inside the café having smashed the window to gain entry.

“A short time later, Bench Café which is next door to Café#9 was also targeted. An iPad was taken from Bench."

CCTV footage has been recovered and as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting inc 1081 of 21 April.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.