HomeCrimeVandals destroy seaside café while owner fears deliberate targeting

Vandals destroy seaside café while owner fears deliberate targeting

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A local cafe proprietor claims her establishment is experiencing deliberate targeting following an attack on one of its windows.

The vandalism at Whitecliffs cafe along Marine Drive in Saltdean was logged with Sussex Police on Wednesday, March 25.

Owner Julieanne Gilburt previously reported that in December, two beer lines at her venue were cut during the night.

She described herself and her employees as deeply shaken by what had happened, yet insisted she would not be defeated, particularly as locals had come together to offer their backing.

Around a month before the window incident, officers attended the cafe after receiving reports of verbal threats being issued. Witnesses observed belongings being placed into a large white van at the scene.

Following the window damage, Ms Gilburt informed The Argus that the business would recover and emphasised the strong encouragement received from nearby residents.

A message published on the cafe’s Facebook page stated that Whitecliffs had been targeted again.

The post expressed frustration that recent favourable developments had been spoilt by individuals wielding a hammer or metal implement, with the attack occurring at 10.45pm, as indicated by rust marks visible on the glass.

Due to current financial constraints preventing the immediate replacement of windows, the owners secured the area and, while awaiting adequate funding, chose to convert the unfortunate incident into an amusing situation by introducing what they described as cute comedy featuring a character called Stephanie Spider at Whitecliffs.

The message concluded that they would not allow bullies to undermine their achievement.

A Sussex Police representative confirmed that on March 25, officers received notification that windows at a cafe on Marine Drive in Saltdean had been broken.

Anyone with information about the incident or relevant CCTV footage from the locality is asked to submit their report via the force website or contact 101, quoting reference 358 of 25/03.

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