Police hunt brazen thieves targeting Balmoral Beach cafes. See the shocking video.

By ANNA USHER

Local shop keepers are being warned to ramp up security after a spate of break ins at Balmoral Beach.

Around 4:20am on Wednesday, thieves targeted Simple Simon’s Coffee House and Pasture of Balmoral, both located on The Esplanade.

It is believed crow bars were used to open sliding glass doors before gaining access to the properties.

Peter Day from Simple Simon’s told Mosman Collective he arrived at his popular café just before 7am, and discovered the front entrance was open.

“I was in shock to tell you the truth, because I had no idea what I was going to find when I walked inside,” he said.

“Luckily we captured security footage of the incident, and I am hoping it serves as a warning for other businesses to securely lock up.”

Mosman Collective has obtained exclusive CCTV showing a man wearing a black hoodie, dark tracksuit pants and a red cap place a crow bar on a wicker chair, before walking behind the counter and rifling through a drawer.

On the counter, an empty till tray is in full view.

“We place an empty till on the counter at closing, which shows any potential intruders that no cash is kept on the premises,” Peter said, “unfortunately this didn’t seem to deter the thief.”

Watch: Thieves break into Balmoral cafe on Wednesday morning:

The man, thought to be aged in his mid-40s, then looks under the front bench, before entering a storeroom off camera.

He makes his way to the kitchen, where he brazenly turns on a light, before picking up the crow bar and leaving empty handed.

The confronting incident was all over in 1 minute and 46 seconds.

Meanwhile, just 200 metres down the road, thieves were also targeting Pasture of Balmoral around the same time.

Manager Michela Crispino told Mosman Collective at least one man made several attempts to enter her restaurant, located at 51 The Esplanade, before gaining access through a take-away window.

“There was some damage to our lovely wooden doors, and the guy then found a way into the restaurant through a sliding window that was locked,” Ms Crispin said.

“He used a crow bar to gain access, but found no money in the till.

“When he entered the kitchen our security alarm system activated, and he ran out of the building.

“I would like to warn all businesses in the area to make sure their security is up to date, these people are looking for any opportunity.”

On Monday night, thieves broke into iconic local café The Boathouse around 11pm, entering through the front door and stealing approximately $200.

They then broke into premises next door, gaining access to the Balmoral Boatshed, where an undisclosed amount of money was stolen.

Bathers Pavilion co-owner and General Manager, Jess Shirvington, told Mosman Collective while her restaurant wasn’t targeted, all hospitality workers at Balmoral were supporting those impacted.

“No one is immune from these things happening,” Ms Shirvington said, “It’s a reminder to be vigilant with security and for everyone to remember the old adage, if you see something – say something.”

NSW Police have confirmed the incidents, saying they have received “reports of break and enters at retail premises on The Esplanade, Mosman, in the past week.”

“Officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command are investigating,” a spokesperson said.