This is unfortunately not Proof’s first break-in of 2023.
Following two break-ins in Dublin city centre last week, another Thomas Street business fell victim to one last night.
Proof Urban Italian, which is just a three minute walk from Hyper Goat café which was also broken into last week, has shared with us the impact, both financial and otherwise, of having their window smashed in.
A little closer into the centre of town, café and lunch spot Currabinny also suffered damage that has forced them to close for a few weeks while they get their food truck repaired.
Philippa of Proof told Lovin Dublin that the break-in occurred at 3:50am; an iPad was the only item stolen, however there was significant damage done to their front door and cash register.
The ongoing impact of break-ins in Dublin
When asked what kind of impact these break-ins have on a business, this is what Philippa said:
“This all causes financial impact to our restaurant, both from repairs, time bringing in teams and staff to sort out the mess and of course potential loss of sales. More importantly we are conscious of the impact it can have on our staff, especially those locking up late in the evening. We do everything we can to keep them safe, but as crime has increased recently we need to make sure that our staff also feel safe at work, and this is an area of concern for us.”
Unfortunately this is not the first time that Proof have suffered a break-in; Philippa told us that this is the second time it has happened this year, and that these kinds of incidents approximately occur every six months, so the impact to their business is ongoing.
Another point that Philippa mentioned was that due to their building’s position as a protected structure, they have been refused planning permission to install a shutter for their door, which leaves them vulnerable to suffering further break-ins in the future.
She explained that the sight of a broken in door has an impact on “customers views of the area both from a safety perspective” – she says this is particularly frustrating as so much is being done by local businesses to improve perceptions of Thomas Street, and that this unravels those efforts.
Despite the damage, Proof Urban Italian were thankfully able to reopen for business today. If you’re in the area, be sure to stop in and show them some love.
Header images via Instagram / Proof Urban Italian
READ ON:
– Popular food truck Bahay to begin winter residency in Harold’s Cross
– Paul Mescal is back on the apps – here are 5 places we’d send him on a date in Dublin
– Dublin’s second LEGO store is set to open in Blanchardstown this week
