AN early morning raid left an Urmston business in tatters last month but it is bouncing back, all thanks to the support of its loyal community.

Burglars broke into the Hideaway, in Church Road, before dawn on Monday October 17.

They used a large gas canister to smash through the door of the cafe and kicked in the internal locked doors, fleeing with money, equipment and stock.

It was a knock for business owners Jo and Zoe Hill, who were preparing to celebrate the second anniversary of opening the well-loved cafe when the burglars struck.

The couple said the effect of the break-in on their small business was profound. They scrambled to replace the equipment and stock stolen and managed to open for business just two days later.

Although the burglary proved a brutal blow, Jo and Zoe said the outpouring of support from the community has been ‘heart-warming and uplifting’.

Jo said: “We got a lot of public support and people really rallied around us. It was a real positive thing to come out of it. Customers have come in with flowers, bottles of wine, and boxes of chocolates. We have been really surprised, we have had young men coming in for the first time, having a game of trivial pursuit. The support has come from across the community, regulars and people who haven’t been before, which is nice to see.”

Thankfully, the Hideaway is back up and running and continues to thrive, despite last month’s setback.

“We are really lucky,” said Jo. “We have a good reputation – everything we do is homemade, like our cakes, and we have a chat with our customers when they come in and know most by name.

“We are part of the community – some customers come in twice a day – so they are quite protective.”

On Friday (November 18), the Hideaway has pledged to donate profits from any cake slices purchased on the day to Children in Need.