CITY CRIME

‘Something must be done’ – Dublin restaurant say ‘city out of control’ after thieves target cash in smash & grab robbery Horrified customers said they were ‘gutted’ to see the damage done to the business

A DUBLIN restaurant has demanded “something must be done” after their business fell victim to a “smash and grab” robbery.

The La Gordita restaurant on Montague Street said their windows were smashed in by thieves who took off with their till drawer in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

CITY CRIME

‘Something must be done’ – Dublin restaurant say ‘city out of control’ after thieves target cash in smash & grab robbery

Horrified customers said they were ‘gutted’ to see the damage done to the business

• Ríona Maguire

• Published: 22:53, 28 Feb 2024
• Updated: 22:53, 28 Feb 2024

A DUBLIN restaurant has demanded “something must be done” after their business fell victim to a “smash and grab” robbery.

The La Gordita restaurant on Montague Street said their windows were smashed in by thieves who took off with their till drawer in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Workers arrived to the premises early on Tuesday morning to open up for the day to discover shattered glass littered across the floor of the business.

Gardai, who are currently probing the incident, confirmed that a number of items and a sum of cash had been snatched from the property.

Taking to social media, La Gordita, owned by Vanessa Murphy and Anna Cabrera, shared images of the scene staff came across this morning and blasted: “Our city is simply out of control.”

They continued: “It’s all we hear and then arrive to this, this morning.

“Till drawer gone – smash & grab and we’re not permitted to put shutters on the outside of our premises?

“Our team is safe BUT not after regular abuse in recent weeks. Something must be done.”

Horrified customers took to the comments to say they were “gutted” for the Spanish style restaurant.

One said: “That is so upsetting for both of you. Vitally important not to let the thugs get you down, especially when all your team are safe.

“This message comes very best wishes for your continued success. Looking forward to dining with you soon again.”

Another said the news is “shocking” to hear whilst a third added: “So sorry this happened to you guys.”

The popular restaurant, which was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide UK & Ireland in January, opened up in March 2023.

The grand opening came 10 years on from opening her sister restaurant Las Tapas de Lola, which is located on Wexford St, Co Dublin.

The robbery comes days after a new pub in Dublin, which opened its doors just two months ago, was robbed by thieves who smashed the front window.

Robert Hayes, the manager of Bootleg on Drury Street, said their cash register, wine bottle stocks and staff tip packets were stolen on Wednesday night.