THIEVES have targeted a not-for-profit Colac cafe for the second time this year.

Police are investigating a break-in at Colac’s Botanic Cafe which caused it to close for business yesterday.

Cafe worker Jacinta Rippon said she arrived at the cafe yesterday morning to find would-be thieves had gone through the business, which overlooks the Colac Botanic Gardens.

She said she found a fly screen on the ground and cool room door open before she found a broken window.

“I walked out and found a broken window, then I walked around to where our register is and they had just made a mess,” Ms Rippon said.

“They didn’t really take anything that we know of – there’s no cash on the premises but it’s very disappointing,” she said.

Botanic Cafe is a not-for-profit arm of Colac’s Otway Community College.

Detective Mick Palmer of Colac Criminal Investigation Unit said police were investigating the break-in which happened between 5pm Wednesday and 8am yesterday.

Det Palmer said it appeared the offender hadn’t stolen any property from the cafe.

He said police were appealing for witnesses or people with information to contact Colac police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The break-in is the second at the cafe this year after burglars smashed windows and stole cash and a stereo in January.

The burglary forced the business to again close for a day.

Tags: Police and Emergencies