THIEVES are alleged to have raided a York café – stealing more than £550 worth of goods.

The Random Encounter Cafe and Bar, in Gillygate, is said to have been burgled at around 11.30pm on Saturday night.

Co-owner Ellen Hall said that the thieves stole the till as well as various electronic items.

She said staff members had only just locked up about 20 minutes before the café’s karaoke night had ended.

She said CCTC showed a group of men allegedly kicking in and badly damaging the door at about 11.30pm.

Mrs Hall said: "We boarded up the hole as a temporary measure, but we plan to get it replaced ASAP.

"Honestly, it seems that break-ins are becoming more common down Gillygate. There have also been some smashed windows. Lately it almost feels like an inevitability.

"On the plus side, our customers have been lovely. It does restore your faith in humanity after something like this, when people are so supportive.

"The police have also been excellent in dealing with this matter, and their communication with us has been great."

A spokesman from North Yorkshire Police said: "Police were contacted at 11.53pm on Saturday to a report of a burglary at a commercial premises on Gillygate in York. Thieves were seen to enter the premises via a door panel and went onto steal a bank card and an amount of confectionary. A 25-year-old man was arrested and has since been charged with burglary."

Any witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference 12190076238.