The Newfoundland Chocolate Company says it’s had to hire 24-hour security after its cafe on Torbay Road was broken into overnight.

The front door was smashed despite the fact that the cafe holds a minimal amount of cash on the premises. The store is closed today while repairs are being carried out.

The company posted to Facebook today saying that it’s had a number of occasions in the evenings in which unknown men have frightened staff, so much so, that they’ve taken the precaution of now closing at 6:00.

The company says it’s shocked with the recent rash of break-ins throughout the city and while St. John’s is “a wonderful place to build a business” they are concerned for those struggling with the rising cost of living, inadequate mental health and addictions care and rising crime.