A POPULAR Dawlish seaside cafe has been broken into, one of a series being investigated by police.
The Cafe at Coryton Cove was targeted by thieves who vandalised the site and stole goods, equipment and cash.
The break-in followed a similar crime in Teignmouth at one of its seafront ice cream kiosks and reports of another seaside cafe in Babbacombe, Torquay being attacked.
It has been suggested that the crimes may have been carried out by an organised, professional gang targeting venues in the south west coast.
Owners of The Cafe at Coryton said they hoped to reopen as soon as possible and appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.
Damage included, some vandalism and thefts of goods, equipment and cash.
The burglars were said to have come equipped with bolt cutters to cut through chains securing the premises.
The damage has also caused some electrical problems which delayed the cafe reopening for a few days.
It was said that the offenders had managed to locate the cafe’s CCTV camera and smashed it before breaking in.