The owner of a popular cafe in a leafy Midland suburb has issued a heartfelt plea to customers after a series of brazen thefts, including toilet rolls, vases, and even a piece of art taken in full view of other patrons.
Artwork Swiped by Couple in Broad Daylight
Gina Ellias, the 53-year-old proprietor of Mocha Coffee Lounge on Burnett Road in Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, revealed that the stealing spree escalated dramatically last weekend. On Saturday, March 28, a couple described as being in their late 50s or older walked out with a freestanding art plaque from the venue.
"They brazenly stole a tile from the wall which was advertising one of the items we sell," Gina explained. "This particular one was lacquered but wasn't screwed on the wall. A couple were looking at it and then got up and left and took it."
Year-Long Pattern of Petty Thefts
The cafe, which is popular with families and retired residents near Sutton Park, first noticed items going missing about a year ago. Initially, staff observed hand cream dispensers disappearing from the bathroom, followed by toilet rolls vanishing at an unusual rate.
"At first we thought it was funny that some people would do that," Gina admitted. "In August, we decorated the bathroom and put a vase with flowers in it, and that went. I don't know how they got that out."
Owner's Public Appeal on Social Media
Frustrated by the ongoing incidents, Gina took to Facebook to address the situation directly. "This isn't a post I ever wanted to share," she wrote, "but over the past 12 months we've sadly noticed that a small number of people think it's acceptable to take items from our space."
She listed the stolen items: "Vases and flowers, hand cream dispensers, and even toilet roll. Only yesterday, a couple brazenly walked out with a freestanding art plaque."
Surprise and Disappointment
Gina expressed both surprise and disappointment at the thefts, particularly given the cafe's generally respectful clientele. "The vast majority of our customers are wonderful and respectful, which makes these incidents even more disappointing," she noted.
In her social media post, she made a direct appeal to those responsible: "So, a message to the few involved: if you see something you like, please come and ask. I'll happily tell you where it's from — and who knows, I might even give it to you."
Customer Witnesses Theft
The art theft was witnessed by other customers, including a regular named Ann who alerted Gina to what had happened. "A customer of ours, Ann, realised they had taken it and told me," Gina said. "I posted it on social media just hoping the person or people in question knows we have clocked on and know exactly what they have done."
Gina emphasized her willingness to be generous with customers who show genuine interest in the cafe's decorations. "I'm a nice person – ask me where it's from and I might give it to you," she concluded, hoping this public appeal will put an end to the troubling pattern of thefts at her establishment.
