“It’s frustrating, and at times, disheartening, when we are so proud and determined to bring a little colour and vibrancy to what can sometimes feel like a very grey city.”
The owners of a Belfast coffee shop say they have been left frustrated and disheartened after their business was targeted for the fourth time in weeks.
Dilly and Dolly’s on Ann Street in the city centre was broken into on Friday night with cash taken and damage caused to the premises.
The business took to social media to share news of the incident, which they say is one of a series over recent weeks.
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They said: “Tonight, Dilly & Dolly’s was broken into. Money was taken and there was some damage done and to be honest, it’s been a tough one to process.
“It’s already been a difficult year, watching so many businesses around us close their doors, leaving us surrounded by empty buildings. It’s hard not to feel like that makes things like this easier to happen.“This is the fourth incident in just a few weeks, and the police have been called out 3 times in the last two weeks alone. It’s frustrating, and at times, disheartening, when we are so proud and determined to bring a little colour and vibrancy to what can sometimes feel like a very grey city.”
Natalie Lennon opened Dilly and Dolly’s on the Upper Lisburn Road in June 2021 after losing her job during the pandemic.
The Hannahstown woman previously told Belfast Live she wanted to bring something different to Belfast and since their opening, the Dolly and Dolly’s name has grown – with a second location on Ann Street following a year later.
Despite this latest setback, Dilly and Dolly’s said it would be business as usual on Saturday: “But we’re still here. And we are not going anywhere. I want to say thank you to my team, who continue to show up, work hard, and care so much about this place every single day. So tomorrow, we will dust ourselves off and open our doors as usual.
“Thank you to all our lovely customers who continue to support and encourage us, we will see you tomorrow! Team Dilly & Dolly’s & Natalie x.”
When contacted, police said they are appealing for information and witnesses in relation to a report of a burglary at commercial premises in the Ann Street area of Belfast yesterday evening, Friday, April 3.
A PSNI spokesperson added: “At around 8.45pm, it was reported that entry had been forced to the premises, and a sum of money taken from the till.
“Enquiries are ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who might have been in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or who has any information which could assist, to get in touch. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1560 of 03/04/26.”
You can also report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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