A coffee shop has been hit by a burglary with cash, food and drink stolen.

The Coffee House and Kitchen in Worthing has been the victim of a break-in.

The business on Liverpool Road has been running for 21 years and serves coffee, cake, breakfast and lunch.

Owner Simon Darcy Abbot said: “Having now suffered two break-ins in the last year and the damage that has caused to us in losses and repair, it does beg the question about Worthing and the level of crime in the town centre.

“We are an independent business so these damages always hurt.

“Trading is hard enough these days with all the cost rises and normal people's income stretched to the limit, to then have things like this on top added.

READ MORE: Urgent repairs to Brighton Museum roof have begun

“We hope better times are to come back again and a safer, less crime-impacted town too for us all to enjoy.

“We remain hopeful.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Police were called to a report of a business burglary at The Coffee House, Liverpool Road, Worthing, in the early hours of Monday, June 10.

“It is reported that cash, food and drink items were stolen. An investigation is ongoing.

“Witnesses or anyone with any information or footage is asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting serial 227 of 10/06.”