Burglars were not interested in any Diwali spirit when they smashed a window at Goodwill Cafe, on McKenzie Street, early this morning.

However, it was not only the break-in that irked cafe owner, Dan Mooippa. who lives in the house behind his shop.  The tardy response from the SAPS also left him fuming.

“I came to open as usual at 6am from the backdoor.  However, when I went into the front of the shop to open the front door, I saw the pieces of glass lying on the floor.  Then I realised that thieves had cut the burglar bars and broke the glass,” he said.

A quick check revealed that nothing had been taken.  “I called the police and the operator said he would send someone.  No one came.  I called again at 7.15am and the operator said shifts changing and that I would have to wait.

“I called again at 7.30am and asked to speak to the Station Commander but the operator said he be there after 8.  I then asked for the operator’s name but he responded by saying ‘how will that help you?’.  I am really upset.”

Police eventually arrived while the Courier was on on the scene.  Residents in this part of McKenzie Street said the area has ‘declined markedly in recent years with soaring petty crime, street parties and drunken groups moving around the area’.

Police who arrived apologised to Mr Mooiappa for their late arrival.