Cake Inn in Merrielands Crescent opened six months ago but has been left with costly damages after a man smashed the front window last Monday (April 28).
The incident took place around midnight and was captured by CCTV.
Branch manager Muhammad Marvii Irfan said: “It’s so frustrating to see something like this happen – it’s costing us almost £3,000 to get it fixed and for a new business, that is hard to fork out.
“We can’t afford to spend on increased protection measures – the business needs to pick up first. We need the support of the local community.
“We’ve had a great response (to the break-in) but we need more in sales and anyway, what can we really do? Cover the whole shop in metal?
“That is not a good look for the local area – it would be like being in a prison.”
Muhammad said the footage appeared to show a man managing to break through the first layer of the double glazed window before leaving temporarily.
The footage then appears to show him return, attempt and fail to break the window at the back of the shop and then leave again.
“Our insurance doesn’t cover it apparently – we need special insurance for the shop front.
“This break-in tells you that there are people out here that shouldn’t be out here – it’s not safe for kids.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police are investigating reports of criminal damage to a shop on Merrielands Crescent, Dagenham that occurred on Monday, 28 April at around 00.18am.
“Investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this time.
“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or contact ‘X’@METCC and quote 01/7427027/25.”
