THE owner of a ‘beloved’ local coffee van selling homemade French pastries and cakes has been humbled by the incredible community response to his business being broken into and ransacked by thieves.

The Wolseley St. Bakery coffee van in Tilehurst was broken into on Saturday, December 10, when thieves smashed their way through the serving hatch - causing significant damage and stealing the cash float.

Davy Bonte set up the business during lockdown to 'bring a taste of France to the streets of Reading', and also sold bags of flour, sugar, eggs and butter all at cost price when there were food shortages to help keep the community supplied.

In June, Davy was able to level up his business by taking over the coffee van which sits outside Tilehurst Station. But the van was broken into just days before Christmas.

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However, the community has since rallied round and a fundraising page has been set up to help Davy get back on his feet again, with more than £1,200 raised so far.

Charlie Bond, who set up the Just Giving page, said: “Not only did they cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage, they damage caused the van to lose takings in closures whilst it is repaired.

"It is beyond belief how someone could do this, to what is clearly such a beloved local van."

There has now been more than £1,205 raised by 85 supporters online, with one person commenting: "Hope you get back onto your van very soon. We miss you and your wonderful treats and coffee. You'd be a shame to lose within our Tilehurst circle."

In an update on the fundraiser, Ms Bond added: “Thank you so much, everyone. It has been incredible to see how much support for Davy there is out there.

“This money will go a long way, and it is so inspiring to know how much love there is for The Wolseley Street Bakery.

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“Davy has loved reading all of the messages, and asked to share these words: ‘I did not know that my little home based bakery would have touched so many people. I am more than grateful for your support. As a proper French man I am sending lots of kisses, love and hugs to each and every one of you to thank you’.”

To support the fundraiser go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/repairwolseleystvan Anyone with information on the break in is asked to contact British Transport Police.