POLICE have released CCTV images of two men they want to identify following a series of burglaries at Hips Harbourside cafe in Lydney. 

Since the start of July, there have been four reports of unknown men gaining entry to the cafe at Lydney Harbour, which is run by Lucy Buckingham and Tom Davies who also own Hips Social in the town centre. 

On each occasion, food and other items were stolen from the premises. 

The cafe was installed at the harbour as part of the £2 million Destination Lydney Harbour project, which was led by the Forest Council thanks to investment secured from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.

It has proved a popular addition to the site since it opened over Christmas in 2021.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: “The burglaries were reported to have taken place between July and September and it is understood that two men have been involved.

“Officers from the Forest Neighbourhood Policing Team have conducted a number of enquiries since the incident, but are yet to identify the men, and are now asking for information from the public.”

Locals expressed their support for Tom and Lucy on a post on the Gloucestershire Constabulary Facebook page.

One person commented: “So sorry for the owners and all the people who work there so hard to make it a fantastic community asset. I hope they catch whoever is doing this.”

Anyone who recognises the men pictured is asked to provide information online at  www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report, quoting incident 80 of September 28.

Alternatively, information can be submitted anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.