Thieves caught on CCTV breaking into Windermere Boaters Bar

The Boaters Bar, located on the Quays, Glebe Road in Bowness-on-Windermere, was burgled on Sunday evening by several individuals who were captured on the bar’s CCTV cameras.

The break in happened on the evening of July 25 when the intruders broke through the door and stole a safe along with the weekend’s takings and all staff wages and tips.

CRIME: Robbers on camera

The robbers then returned to the bar an hour after initially breaking in and stole items from the stock room, including vodka and other spirits.

The first break occurred at 1am and then the second break in took place at 2:30am.

The safe was discovered later and had had its contents taken.

Olivia Hartley, general manager, said the intruders ‘may have stolen our money, but not our spirit’.

She said: “I can’t believe that we were broken into. It’s terrible but it is just one of those things that can happen to any business.

“They broke in through the front door which they damaged.

“They had also damaged another door on their way in.

“When we came in on Monday morning, we saw the damage straight away but thankfully that has been fixed.

“There was some damage to the office doors as well.

CRIME: CCTV captures robbers behind Boaters Bar intruders which took place on Sunday evening

“It is disgusting.

“It had been a very busy weekend and people had put so much into the hours worked so for someone to come in and take that is disgusting.

“It’s not a good feeling to come in and find you’ve been burgled.

“We got the footage of them and we put it online hoping that someone could reach out and help find out how did this.

“We’ve had a lot of messages of support and the Police have been great with us.”

Olivia added a message from the bar to those responsible for the robbery.

“How could you do this to the people in this business. It has not been opened long and has been through so much. Not financially, but hardships in terms of staff numbers and so many hours worked.

“It’s really hard on hospitality at the moment and to steal the work, and even the tip of others is disgusting.

“You can take our money but not our spirit.”

CRIME: CCTV captures robbers behind Boaters Bar intruders which took place on Sunday evening

The Boaters Bar have released footage of the criminals on their Facebook and are urging anyone who knows anything to contact Cumbria Police.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police stated: "Police are investigating an incident of burglary at Boaters Bar, Windermere.

"The incident occurred just after 1am on July 26, 2021.

"The incident involved three people entering the building and removing items. Two of those people have forced entry, causing damaged to the property.

"Money and alcohol was taken during the incident.

"Police are conducting multiple lines of enquiry.

"Anyone with information who has yet to speak to the police, is asked to make contact via the online reporting form at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit. By calling 101, or through the live web chat at www.cumbria.police.uk."