Thieves broke into The Thirsty Korean restaurant in Chorlton, stealing cash and causing damage. Owner Eunji Noh says she is 'devastated' and feels vulnerable after the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, July 20.
Break-in at popular Korean restaurant
The Thirsty Korean, based on Wilbraham Road after relocating from Manchester Road in April last year, has been a fixture in Chorlton for seven years. Known as a 'hidden gem', the restaurant serves authentic Korean dishes. Last week, Noh shared details of the break-in on social media, saying she felt 'fully disrespected'.
“What you stole from the Thirsty Korean was paying our hard working staff wages, paying goods and supplies, and our maintenance for the restaurant which assures us living tomorrow,” Noh wrote online. “It is truly hurtful and disappointing to know that there were people looking for the opportunity to steal someone's belongings.”
Owner estimates two weeks' cash stolen
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Noh estimated that the burglars took 'two weeks’ worth of cash' and caused property damage. The theft had a 'massive impact', forcing the restaurant to close for two days. She reported the incident immediately to police. CCTV footage from her restaurant and neighbouring venues showed individuals 'scouting' properties with a torch around 2am on July 20.
“Venues in our neighbourhood showed me a video clip of these thieves going back and forth of the street, having a torch in hand and looking over venues on the street for the possibility to break-in,” Noh said. “As a business, we have had to accept huge financial losses but, personally, it was really painful. I was massively disappointed that bad things happened in the country where I made a choice to live. I have blamed myself for it, but if people intended to break-in somewhere, it would have happened anyway.”
Owner demands apology, police investigate
Noh added: “I’m not expecting that the financial loss will be recovered by catching these people, however I believe I deserve an apology from these thieves for what they have done.” A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said an investigation is ongoing and that no arrests have been made at this stage.
