Solly Ahmed, owner of award-winning Bekash Tandoori Solly Ahmed, owner of award-winning Bekash Tandoori

A Romford restaurant owner has called on the community to work together to catch criminals after a break-in at his business.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, crooks smashed windows of Bekash Tandoori, Victoria Road.

Speaking to the Recorder on Tuesday, owner Solly Ahmed, said: “I had a call from one of my staff members early this morning, they took some wine.

“Luckily they haven’t taken any money – we obviously don’t have any money left out. I’m very fortunate.”

But he said that it will cost him to replace the stolen goods and broken windows.

He added: “It’s sad really, you work hard to establish your business and make it a success and this doesn’t help.”

Solly, who recently picked up a Havering Civic Award for his work in the community, said: “I don’t want any other restaurant owner to be a victim like me.

“My main concern is obviously our community should be alerted if they have any information they can contact the police. If we work together we can make less crime.”

A Havering Police spokesman said that eight bottles of Moet Champagne were stolen.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Havering Police on 101.

The restaurant is open as usual.