The Northern Ireland Food To Go Association has expressed serious concern following a series of burglaries and attacks targeting independent cafés, coffee shops, and food-to-go businesses across Belfast.
Recent incidents have included break-ins at Dilly & Dolly’s coffee shop on Ann Street and Simply Fish & Chip at St George’s Market, alongside other businesses in and around the city such as The Pocket Café and Juko. Premises have been damaged, windows smashed and cash stolen, leaving owners facing significant repair costs, disrupted trading and increased concern for the safety of their staff.
Michael Henderson, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, said the incidents, the most recent last night at Samosa King, were creating real fear and frustration among small business owners already operating under considerable financial pressure.
“These are not simply attacks on buildings. They are attacks on people’s livelihoods, on local jobs and on the independent businesses that bring life, character and footfall into Belfast city centre.
“Many food-to-go businesses operate from early in the morning until late at night. Their owners and staff should be able to arrive at work, close their premises and serve their customers without fearing that they will become the next target.
“The financial impact goes far beyond the cash or stock taken. Businesses are left paying for replacement windows, repairs, additional security, higher insurance costs and lost trading time. For a small independent operator already dealing with rising wages, food costs, energy bills and business rates, another unexpected bill can be extremely damaging.”
The Association has welcomed the arrests made by the PSNI in connection with some of the recent incidents but believes a wider, coordinated response is now required to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among Belfast businesses.
NIFTGA is calling for:
- An increased and highly visible police presence in Belfast city centre, particularly during the late-night and early-morning hours when many break-ins occur.
- A coordinated response involving the PSNI, Belfast City Council, city centre business groups and representatives of the affected sectors.
- A dedicated small business security support scheme to help independent operators meet the cost of measures such as reinforced windows, improved lighting, alarms, CCTV and secure shutters.
- Accessible security assessments and practical crime-prevention advice for businesses considered most at risk.
- Continued investment in services addressing addiction, homelessness and the other complex issues contributing to crime and antisocial behaviour in the city.
Michael continued: “We recognise that some of the underlying problems are complex and will not be solved through policing alone. However, complexity cannot become an excuse for inaction while independent businesses continue to be targeted.
“Small businesses invest in Belfast, employ local people, support city centre footfall and provide essential services to residents, workers and visitors. They need to see the same level of commitment being invested in their protection.
“With Belfast preparing to welcome major events and hundreds of thousands of visitors, it is vital that the city is safe, welcoming and open for business. That must include protecting the independent operators who will be central to delivering that experience.
“The Northern Ireland Food To Go Association stands ready to work with the PSNI, Belfast City Council and other partners on an urgent and practical response. Our message is clear: Belfast’s small businesses cannot be left to deal with this growing problem alone.”