A café in Brockley has been targeted by “opportunistic” thugs for the second time this year.
Masala Wala Café had its window smashed in with a bin in January and the business in Brockley Cross has now been hit again.
Owner Saima Thompson, 29, has stage four lung cancer and was phoned by police on Saturday (September 8) morning to inform her about the attempted break-in.
READ MORE - Cafe window smashed by bin as another Brockley business is hit by vandals
The safety glass was battered in the early hours prompting a concerned neighbour to immediately call police.
“It’s just the last thing you need,” Saima told News Shopper.
“The last time it happened I was like ‘oh my god’ but the shock factor was gone this time. It was not nice but it felt familiar.
“I am going through personal things and trying to keep the business afloat.
“The impact these things have on independent businesses is heart-breaking.”
Saima said the door was replaced on the day meaning she could trade at the weekend but she is now out of pocket.
She said crime in the area was “rife” and fears it may happen for a third time.
“I don’t know why they are trying to break in,” Saima added. “There is nothing of value there.”
Saima, who was diagnosed in April, runs her own blog called Curry and Cancer and she said customers have been hugely supportive of her.
She said: “I wasn’t sure how people on social media would react to the worlds of food and cancer colliding. But people have been so supportive.
“The messages since the latest break-in attempt have been so lovely and that’s what makes the world good again.
“There was a point this year where I really wasn’t well. I physically couldn’t run the business. It was an up-and-down year.
“But the customers keep me going.”
Masala Wala Café has been trading in Brockley for four years and although the break-ins have not been part of the plan, Saima said she hopes the business will continue to grow.
The family-run business is considering public crowdfunding to cover the costs of Friday's incident.
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