Walsall cafe hit in ram raid back in business

A cafe has reopened after ram-raiders left a scene of destruction when they drove a car through the front door.

Manager Mandy Lehmann views the damage caused by ram raiders at non for profit cafe Living Water

The car drove through the front glass door of the volunteer-run community cafe Living Water on Stafford Street, Walsall, at 3.30am on Wednesday.

It came just a day after crooks ram-raided the Spar on Wolverhampton Road West, Bentley, Walsall, on Boxing Day.

Nothing was stolen from the cafe but the front of the store was badly damaged and has since been boarded up.

It is estimated the damage will cost £10,000 to fix.

The cafe, which has reopened for business, has been boarded up and has invited members of the public to leave messages of goodwill on the front of it.

Manager Mandy Lehmann, 52, Willenhall, said: “It was devastating for us. We are a community cafe with a strong relationship with the town which we have built up in the last two years of being open.”

“We are so grateful for the response from the community. On Facebook we already have 50 comments because people are amazed by what happened. Lots are saying that we did so much for the community and it is awful that this has happened.”

Police said they believe the two ram raids are not linked.

Manager Mandy Lehmann and volunteer Bill Ramsbottom view the damage

On Facebook, Tina Tolley wrote: ‘You wonderful people don’t deserve this, you give so much of your time and effort to help our town and people, if there’s anything you need to help you get back on your feet, please ask, I’m sure a lot of people would like to show their appreciation to you all by helping in any way.’

Another comment from Michelle Wildman said: ‘Love & thoughts are with you all. God bless you for all you do. This is a horrible thing to happen but will make you stronger. You are all amazing.’

Councillor Diane Coughlan said: “This is the second case of this kind lately. There is a real issue with crime in Walsall town centre. It is becoming a lawless society.

"We have invited the MP along to talk about the crime that we have been experiencing to ask for more money to deal with it.”

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “They are not currently being treated as being linked because of the differences between them. But it is open to possibility if more information comes to light.”

Anyone with information has been asked to contact police on 101.