Thieves broke into Healey Deli on Market Street in Whitworth, Rochdale, in the early hours of Tuesday morning (August 18), but only stole a can of Fanta Fruit Twist and a pack of cigarettes.
Break-in at Healey Deli
Owner Rachel Ward, who opened the deli in October, said the thieves smashed a window and used a crowbar to break into the till. Posting on social media, she described the incident as making the deli "officially made the big time."
She wrote: "After smashing their way in, our criminal masterminds made off with… An emergency packet of cigarettes from the till and ONE Fanta Fruit Twist. That’s it. Not the food, not the coffee, not even the Spam. Apparently the getaway plan required a quick fag and a tropical fizzy drink."
Community response
Customers responded with humor, with one posting: "What time do you open in the morning, knowing the spam is safe will pop in for a spam butty." Another said: "Awww Rach, really what was the point, all that damage and they didn't even kidnap the spam!"
Despite the lighthearted reactions, Rachel told the Manchester Evening News she was upset by the distress and damage. She said: "It is a shame that things like this happen. It is quite hurtful when someone comes in and damages your business that you’ve worked so hard on, especially all for pretty much nothing. We work hard, so it’s very frustrating."
Impact and investigation
The deli had to close for a day, and repairs cost time and money. Rachel noted: "It's just something we could have done without." She also highlighted community support, adding: "It has shown me how much of a real community spirit there is in the local neighbourhood. So many people have reached out to me to ask me if they can help me get my door fixed, or get security systems installed. It’s been very humbling."
Lancashire Police confirmed they received a report of the incident and are investigating.
