Auckland’s Morell Bar & Bistro in Remuera ram raided by thieves

Morell Bar & Bistro is devastated after ram raiders smashed into the restaurant and stole alcohol. Photo / Fiona Goodall

An Auckland small business is “devastated” to be burgled for the third time in two years after thieves ram raided their restaurant and stole booze.

The small group targeted Morell Bistro & Bar on Upland Rd, Remuera, at about 1.30am by first trying to gain entry on foot, police said.

“After attempts to smash their way in, a vehicle was used to gain entry,” police said.

“Items were taken, and the group left in the vehicle.”

The car was found a short distance away with police now making inquiries “to locate those involved”.

The criminals used the car to drive through bifold doors at the front of the bar and bistro, a staff member said.

“So that’s a few thousand dollars worth of damage,” he said.

Once inside, they then made off with only a few hundred dollars worth of alcohol, he said.

“So, absolutely senseless.”

Luckily, the thieves didn’t appear to do “much other damage” inside the bar and bistro, but the business had been forced to close for lunch.

The bistro had quite a few tables booked for lunch today and the loss of trade and damage were tough expenses to swallow as a small business, the staff member said.

He said Morell hoped to open for customers tonight but was looking for help protecting the business in the long run.

“It’s the fact it’s happened a couple of times now and there doesn’t seem to be much we can do about it, it’s very upsetting,” he said.