Sheffield pizza place owner thanks community for support after bungling burglar breaks in and steals till, iPads- and tub of Phish Food ice-cream

Gary Hutton, owner of the Nether Edge Pizza Company, said he is putting a brave face on and ‘trying to not get too upset’ after the break-in, which happened at around 6.50am this morning (Friday, February 5) at the Abbeydale Road branch.

"The shop has motion sensor alerts and early this morning they went off and I saw someone camera moving around in the shop, so I got dressed and whizzed down in the van- but they’d gone,” said Gary.

“That’s probably a good thing. They’d tried to break the lock and kick the panel at the bottom of the door, but when that didn’t work it looks like they’ve just smashed the glass and let themselves in.

"They took a till, which was empty, along with the iPads we use for deleveries- and of course they didn’t forget to help themselves to a tub of Ben and Jerry’s from the freezer.

“There's a place next door that does nice wine and prosecco, but he fancied some ice-cream.”

The Nether Edge Pizza Company has been operating in Sheffield for five years, with the Abbeydale Road branch open for three, and Gary says there hasn’t been any trouble until now.

"We’ve been absolutely fine, so it’s disappointing,” he said. “But what has been lovely is the support from the community. We’ve received so many messages and calls. It’s very heartwarming.

"I’d like to thank the police as well. They got here really fast and looked after the shop while I dealt with things.

South Yorkshire Police report success at targeting gangs, drug dealers and armed criminals

"This has cost us hundreds of pounds but I’m trying not to get too stressed and upset about it.”

Messages of support from NEPC fans have flooded in on social media, with some cracking a few jokes to cheer Gary up.

Gareth Nicholas said: “Police are looking for a man to prosciutto.”

Elaine Tripett said: “Sorry this has happened, bet you want to give him a pizza your mind.”

And Deepak Puri said: “Sorry to hear that. You’re just trying to earn a crust and this happens. Bloke needs topping.”

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “Police received a call at 6.50am this morning reporting a break-in at Nether Edge Pizza Company on Abbeydale Road.

“On arrival officers discovered that the window in the front door of the premises had been smashed.

“It is reported that the till, three tablets and a tub of ice cream was taken.

“The till has been recovered by officers and enquiries are ongoing to identify the offender.

"Anyone with information should report online or call 101 with incident number 117 of 5 February.”

If you’d like to show some support for Nether Edge Pizza Company, which also has a branch in Kelham Island, you can find them on Facebook here or visit their website.

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.