Break-in poses 'existential threat' to pub

A community pub has said it is facing a "potentially existential threat" following a burglary.

The White Hart in Wolvercote, Oxfordshire, reported that at about 03:00 GMT on Sunday someone had gained entry and had stolen "quite a significant quantity of cash and IT equipment".

Voluntary director Alasdair Burchill said it was "a very anxious time", with their staff and team being "very upset".

Thames Valley Police (TVP) said the offender was described as a white male of unknown age and average height with a medium build, with a beard and was wearing jogging bottoms and a hooded top.

Burchill described it as a "pretty devastating blow", as the pub had been "a success story".

It provides a base for several community initiatives, such as a warm space and a meeting point for local groups and sports teams.

He added the burglary came at a time when "all pubs are struggling", as landlords are expecting the government to announce a climbdown on the increases specifically to pubs' business rates bills.

"It is an existential threat to us, unfortunately," Burchill said.

"We operate with very small margins and the loss of equipment and the loss of a significant quantity of cash, [is] potentially really damaging for us.

"It's a very anxious time, we've got a very upset staff and team."

The pub said it has reported the break-in to police and, while waiting for a response, its directors had searched for CCTV footage themselves.

TVP said they were investigating the burglary and that the offender had stolen keys from behind the bar, a CCTV box and an unknown quantity of cash.

The force appealed for witnesses to get in touch with them or call the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Burchill added: "I've been really heartened to receive lots of messages from people and I'm hoping there's going to be some kind of fundraiser event as well.

"I hope we'll bounce back from this."

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