A Belfast city-centre cafe has called on elected representatives to provide stronger support for businesses after its Gloucester Street premises was broken into and a cash till and tip jar were taken.
Incident and immediate response
Juko Coffee published CCTV footage showing two people smashing a hatch window to gain entry in the early hours of Monday. The business said staff were left "devastated" by the theft, which came as they prepared for a first birthday celebration at the site.
"We are devastated by this news and footage," the cafe said after the break-in, urging the council to "do more" to support traders.
Police confirmed two men, aged 38 and 33, have been arrested in connection with the burglary and remain in custody while enquiries continue.
Business impact and calls for action
Juko described the cafe as the culmination of considerable time and creative effort; it is their third site and had been open for around a year. The owners said they want the incident to prompt the council to take further steps to protect independent businesses and to tackle the wider issues affecting the city centre.
- Juko Coffee: hatch window smashed, cash till and tip jar stolen.
- Two men arrested (ages 38 and 33); both in police custody.
- Business appeals for Belfast City Council to increase support for traders and address city-centre crime.
The break-in follows other recent incidents highlighted by local traders. Richard Evan, owner of The Pocket on Upper Church Lane, recently wrote to the council after footage showed a beer keg being thrown through his window. Mr Evan urged action on drug use, rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour, arguing these problems are harming trade and the perception of the city centre.
Local context and implications
Independent cafes and small traders in Belfast say they are particularly vulnerable to low-level acquisitive crime and the knock-on effects of repeat anti-social incidents. For many, the financial hit from stolen takings and damaged property compounds already tight margins.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Gloucester Street, Belfast city centre |
| Items taken | Cash till, front-house tip jar |
| Arrests | Two men, aged 38 and 33 (in custody) |
Police activity following the incident demonstrates enforcement is being pursued, but business owners say arrests alone do not address the wider pressures on the city centre economy. They want a package of measures from Belfast City Council and partner agencies, including improved street safety, targeted policing, better support for shopfronts and clearer plans to tackle substance misuse and rough sleeping.
As enquiries continue, Juko has said it will proceed with its birthday event this weekend as planned, hoping to use the occasion to reassert the cafe as a welcoming public space while drawing attention to the difficulties facing independent traders in the heart of Belfast.
