Break and enter at popular Nambour cafe

Owner Jean Smart: “It was horrible to see what had happened when we got there, but it could have been a lot worse.”

Nambour’s Endless Time Cafe had to replace a large window pane after a determined thief smashed it to gain entry and steal tip jar takings and drinks on November 1. 

“It wasn’t a nice thing to have happen, our tip jar was pretty full in notes and coins, and we’re kicking ourselves that it hadn’t been counted in a while,” said Jean Smart who has owned the cafe with husband and chef Paul for seven years. “It has been happening in lots of places lately in Nambour and other areas too. The guy actually came in twice, the first time he loaded his bag with the milk, water, and juices plus some food that was also taken. Then he came back and left again at 2am with the tip jar under his arm.”

The Smarts got a call at 2.30am on Tuesday morning (November 1) from security.

“It was horrible to see what had happened when we got there, but it could have been a lot worse,” said Jean.  “We saw video clips when we arrived not long after being informed. The window got fixed mid-day and the police were there very early to take photos and fingerprints. The Sergeant did a great job. From what we know someone has been arrested.”

The shattered pane.

The entry point.

Jean said the tip jar may have contained up to $400. She said the thief entered via a side window because it was concealed from passers by. Glass panels at the cafe have been broken before but this was the first time anyone gained entry.

Police obtained video footage from a nearby camera. “We just feel for our staff, losing a very full tip jar plus losing their working hours for that day too isn’t good. But what can you do? Just have to get on with it and stay positive.”

Jean said matters were made worse when she had a fall next day at Coles. “But everyone was fantastic, can’t thank them all enough. Just need to get my hip fixed then hopefully no more silly falls.

“And it’s so lovely receiving everyone’s support. We can’t thank everyone enough. Nambour locals and all our lovely customers and staff have been very supportive to us and of all businesses that have had a similar incidents happen lately too.”

Endless Time Cafe is in C-Square, 52-64 Currie Street Nambour open weekdays (except Monday) until 2pm. And weekends until 11.30am. Children’s meals available and dogs welcome.