Belfast food‑to‑go outlets hit by wave of burglaries

Over the past several days a wave of break‑ins has struck independent food‑to‑go premises in Belfast city centre, including Dilly & Dolly’s, Simply Fish & Chips, The Pocket Café, Juko and Samosa King. Criminals have smashed windows, used a beer keg to force entry and stolen cash and stock, leaving owners with repair costs, higher insurance premiums and lost trading time.

Michael Henderson, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, said the incidents are attacks on livelihoods and add to rising expenses for wages, food, energy and business rates. He has called on the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and business groups to provide a highly visible police presence, a dedicated security‑support scheme for small businesses and practical crime‑prevention advice such as reinforced windows, alarms and CCTV.

The plea comes as Belfast prepares for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, expected to draw about 800 000 visitors. Business owners fear the spate of burglaries could undermine confidence and safety ahead of the major cultural event.