A popular waterfront restaurant named the best in the city faces a hefty bill after being targeted by thieves.
Figurati in Ocean Village was broken into overnight on Sunday.
The front door of the restaurant was damaged and a music amp was stolen, with repairs set to cost between £1,000 and £1,500.
Co-founder Chris Schutrups said this was the third time the restaurant has been targeted by “petty criminals” in two years.
(Image: Figurati)
The 34-year-old said: “The thieves attempted to steal a safe in the building, which is going to be empty in the first week of January.
“They smashed the wall surrounding the safe and the wall surrounding the CCTV unit.
“We believe they tried to steal the CCTV but stole the music amp and left the CCTV intact.
“The repairs will cost around £1,000 to £1,500 which is not fatal, but it could be for other independent businesses.
“It is frustrating that we live in an amazing city with amazing people, but we have a problem with petty crime.”
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Chris said the police do an “amazing job” in the city but are under resourced.
“What can they do with fewer numbers in the force?”, he added.
The equipment stolen from Figurati was only worth around £100 according to Chris, but the crime scene had to be secured after the incident.
But Chris and his team have remained open to continue serving their loyal customers.
He said: “We have to put additional security measures in now.
“Business in general is challenging at the moment, and sadly we have to factor in incidents like this being a regular occurrence.
“This affects the customers as they pay for the business, and we have to price in any damage from criminals.
“In a world where criminal cases take years to go through the court system, justice is a slow process.”
Police confirmed an investigation is underway.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We were called shortly before 8.30am on Monday, January 6 to a report that some time overnight on Sunday 5 January the Figurati restaurant was broken into.
“Damage was caused inside the premises and electrical equipment was taken.
“An investigation into this incident is underway and enquiries are ongoing.”
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