A RESTAURATEUR has told of his shock after his café in Dorchester was broken into.

Salv Cattano, co-owner of Nappers Mite in South Street, said thieves stole petty cash and money from a member of staff’s birthday collection box.

Mr Cattano had just landed at the airport after a holiday in Spain when the manager of the café and restaurant contacted him to give him the bad news.

He said around £200 was stolen in total and three windows at the back of building were smashed, costing more than £400 to repair.

Mr Cattano, who owns the restaurant with business partner Terry Kelly, said: “I had literally got back from Spain when I got the news.

“I was at the airport, so it wasn’t a very good welcome back.

“I am shocked – nothing like this has ever happened before in the past five years that I’ve been there.

“It’s not very reassuring. Petty cash was taken but there was also a collection from all the staff for a member of staff’s birthday so it wasn’t very nice for that to get taken.”

He pointed out that Nappers Mite, which was originally a set of almshouses built in 1616 is a listed building.

Nappers Mite is also the oldest building in South Street and one of the oldest still in use in Dorchester.

Mr Cattano said: “It’s a real shame that the leaded windows at the back have been smashed.”