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A man who broke into a restaurant in Slough and stole £1,000 from the till has been jailed, highlighting the risks many hospitality businesses face from out-of-hours crime.

Experts are reminding restaurants and takeaways to review their security setup, especially around CCTV and monitored alarm systems.

What happened in the restaurant burglary in Slough? (TL;DR)

  • A 42-year-old man has been sentenced for breaking into a Slough restaurant.
  • In this case he made off, stealing £1,000 from the till.
  • The incident took place in the early hours and involved forcing entry through the back door.

All in all, this case highlights the importance of alarms, cash security, and well placed restaurant CCTV cameras.

And, it’s not just restaurants that need protection. Our regularly updated Berkshire Crime News Report, highlights the impact of theft, vandalism, and anti social behaviour across the county.

£1,000 stolen during restaurant theft in Slough

The burglary, at a restaurant in Slough, occurred at around 3am when Younas forced entry through a rear door and took £1,000 from the till.

He was later arrested, charged, and pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court.

Tariq Younas, 42, of Slough, was sentenced to four months in prison and ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation after breaking into a restaurant in the town on May 29.

The theft occurred while the premises were closed, highlighting the vulnerability of restaurants and takeaways during the night.

Moreover, this is particularly true for those handling cash or have rear access points with limited visibility.

Industry response: Cash-heavy businesses need an integrated approach

“This is a classic example of why restaurants, cafés, and takeaways need to rethink their out-of-hours security. CCTV and alarms aren’t just for deterrence—they’re for catching offenders quickly and limiting financial loss. Even something as simple as a monitored alarm and a reinforced till area can make a big difference.”

— Chris Clifton, Director, Safeguard Systems

Hospitality venues, like restaurants in Slough, often have multiple vulnerabilities: late-night openings, cash on-site, rear access, and low staffing. The following systems are key to reducing risk:

CCTV camera systems

Commercial grade CCTV provides deterrence, evidence, and peace of mind:

  • HD indoor/outdoor cameras
  • Coverage of tills, kitchens, and entrances
  • Remote viewing for owners and managers
  • Footage used for prosecutions and insurance claims

Monitored intruder alarms

An essential system for any closed business:

  • Triggers alerts during unauthorised access
  • Silent or audible options depending on risk
  • Linked to a monitoring centre for 24/7 response
  • Can activate lights, CCTV, or fogging devices

Reinforced tills and internal motion detection

Prevent or slow down theft attempts after break-in:

  • Lockable tills or cash safes secured to the floor
  • Internal PIR motion detectors that trigger alarms if movement is detected out of hours
  • Panic buttons for lone workers during late closing hours

Smart door and window sensors

Protect vulnerable rear access points:

  • Detect forced entry or vibration
  • Notify owners or monitoring teams instantly
  • Often wireless and easy to retrofit

Restaurants are easy targets without proper security

Criminals often target restaurants, and these sites are at risk from a range of threats. Why? Because they’re predictable: many handle cash, lock up late, and have basic security. Break-ins can be fast, quiet, and devastating to small independent operators.

CCTV and alarms act not only as a deterrent, but as an effective tool in prosecution, as seen in this case.

Summary: Restaurant burglary in Slough

The restaurant break in, in Slough is a little reminder, to say the least, that hospitality businesses are frequently targeted for quick cash thefts.

Restaurants and takeaways should ensure their sites are protected with modern CCTV, monitored alarms, and secure internal systems.

Speak to our team today about our CCTV installation services in Slough. We’ll help you protect your business, your staff, and your peace of mind.

FAQs

What happened in the recent Slough restaurant burglary?

A man broke into a restaurant in Slough around 3am on May 29, stealing £1,000 from the till. He was later arrested and jailed for four months, with an order to repay the stolen amount. The burglary occurred through a rear entrance while the premises were closed.

Why are restaurants in Berkshire common targets for burglars?

Restaurants often handle significant amounts of cash, close late at night, and may have weak points like back doors or windows. These factors make them attractive to opportunistic and repeat criminals, especially if security systems are outdated or absent.

How do monitored alarms help restaurants stay secure?

Monitored alarms instantly notify a security team when triggered, ensuring a rapid response. They can be silent to avoid tipping off intruders or loud to drive them away. Integration with CCTV, motion sensors, or smart lighting strengthens your security posture.

What type of CCTV setup is best for a restaurant in Berkshire?

A good restaurant CCTV setup includes high-definition indoor and outdoor cameras covering tills, entrances, kitchens, and back doors. Remote access allows owners to view footage on their phones, and video can be used as evidence in police investigations or insurance claims.

How can local restaurants secure their cash handling safely?

Use secure, lockable tills or floor-mounted safes that are emptied regularly. Never leave large sums overnight. Combine this with visible signage, CCTV coverage, and internal motion detection to minimise both temptation and opportunity.