Wally's Café in Acton devastated after thieves steal charity boxes and food supplies during late-night raid

The owner of a café in Acton has been left devastated after the business was targeted by burglars at the weekend.

Thieves broke into Wally’s, in Melford Road, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The suspects smashed a window, before stealing multiple items of food and drink, including 10 bags of sugar and 19 packets of bacon.

A number of charity boxes were also stolen during the raid.

Jane Ireland, who runs the café, said: “It’s devastating because we try to look after the customers and give them good value for money. It’s just heart-rending.”

The 56-year-old discovered the break-in after opening the business at around 7am on Saturday.

Miss Ireland said it was possible that the suspects had intentionally avoided being captured on CCTV cameras as they had not been spotted on those installed at neighbouring businesses.

Tyre marks have been discovered on a patch of grass close to the café, leading Miss Ireland to suspect a vehicle had been parked there during the raid.

“You can see where the car parked because of the marks in the grass,” she said.

After being broken into twice in just two years, Miss Ireland said she plans to install CCTV cameras on the premises in the hope that it will act as a deterrent to prevent any further incidents.

“This has happened too many times,” she said.

Praising the support of her loyal customers, Miss Ireland added: “They’re a lovely group of people – everyone looks after each other. If someone needs help, we’ll all pitch in.

“We try to keep an eye on everybody, especially if they’re on their own.

“If I ever have a problem, the customers will do everything they can to help – it’s just a lovely community.”

If you have any information about the break-in, call Suffolk Police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting the crime reference number 37/54612/20.