Kosher restaurant in Golders Green vandalised

A Kosher restaurant in London’s Golders Green has been vandalised overnight and had its cash register stolen.

Police were called just after 6am today (9 October) to reports of a burglary at Pita restaurant on Golders Green Road.

Images of the break-in showing a smashed glass window were circulated on social media.

The incident comes amid the ongoing conflict in Israel and the border with Gaza, which escalated over the weekend, but police have said it is not being treated as a hate crime at this stage.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “It was reported that a cash register had been stolen. Officers have attended the scene and examined CCTV at the location. There has been no arrest and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.”

The Metropolitan Police had earlier announced that Londoners would see an increased police presence on the streets after this weekend's attack by Hamas “to reassure and protect communities”.

Deputy assistant commissioner Andy Valentine, said: “We are aware that this conflict has a far reaching impact on communities around the world, and we extend our full support to those affected in London.

“We are listening and working with communities and partners to ensure people feel safe and protected. We ask that members of the public report anything concerning, such as threatening behaviour.”

He added: “We are aware that a number of demonstrations and protests are planned. We have spoken to the organisers and we expect these will pass off peacefully. However, we will take a zero tolerance approach to any activity which crosses the lines into criminality.”

Anyone with information that could assist police investigations into the vandalism at Pita is asked to contact police on 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting CAD 1077/9Oct.