Eastbourne coffee shop owner devastated after tip jar stolen

Laura Fuller of Perfectly Brewed only opened her business in January – and had recently reopened after months of lockdown.

When she discovered the reward for her hard work had been taken, she posted an impassioned message on social media.

“To the person who stole my tip jar today...” she wrote, “I hope you realise you are not hurting a big chain but a small independent business who works hard to feed their family.

“I do hope you enjoy the money that you stole considering you worked so hard for it!”

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The tip jar was stolen from her cafe in the Enterprise Centre sometime before 12.30pm on Wednesday (September 2), she says.

She told the Herald, “It was devastating. I know £10 isn’t much but when you haven’t got an income at the moment it doesn’t help. That would pay for my children’s lunch.

“I never thought anyone would sink so low. You don’t think it’s going to happen to you.”

She opened Perfectly Brewed at the end of January. But, due to the covid-19 pandemic, she had to close only a few months later for lockdown.

It has been a difficult time for Laura, who has two young children, as she couldn’t receive most government grants due to her business being so new.

“I chose the wrong time to open a business!” She said, “But no one foresaw this coming.”

Now, luckily she says business is starting to pick up again. But incidents like this do not help.

If you know anything about the incident, contact police on 101 or visit sussex.police.uk

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