**Cafe Burglar Caught Asleep Beside Stolen Goods Only Streets Away in Cardiff**
In a rather unusual turn of events, a Cardiff man who burgled a local café was caught asleep just around the corner from the crime scene, alongside the stash of stolen items. The incident unfolded swiftly, with police solving the case within half an hour of it being reported.
The burglary took place early on the morning of Saturday, 31 May, at ‘My Sisters House’ café located on Clifton Street, Adamsdown. Staff starting their shift were met with a distressing scene — the front door visibly damaged and several vital items missing. Among the stolen goods were a selection of bottled drinks, a box of olive oil, cash, and mobile phones, all pilfered during the break-in which triggered significant concern amongst local business owners.
Responding promptly, officers from South Wales Police’s Roath Neighbourhood Policing Team scrutinised the establishment’s CCTV footage. It revealed two suspects, with one, notably clad in a distinct red and black coat. Police launched a search in the surrounding area, determined to locate those responsible.
Their determination paid off remarkably quickly. Within just 30 minutes, officers happened upon 38-year-old Michael Condon, who was discovered fast asleep on Sapphire Street—merely a short walk from the café he had just burgled. Condon, still wearing the same coat seen on CCTV, had the stolen box of olive oil lying beside him. Not far away, officers also spotted pallets of purloined Coca-Cola glass bottles, directly tying him to the theft.
Condon’s accomplice, Daniel Collins, aged 51, did not remain at liberty for long. Police were able to track him down and detain him the next day, rounding off a swift resolution to the case. Both men made appearances at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 2 June.
Each admitted their roles in the burglary, with Condon pleading guilty not just to this offence, but also to two additional thefts. The consequences came quickly: Collins received a 16-week custodial sentence, while Condon was sentenced to 22 weeks behind bars.
The effectiveness of the police response has provided a measure of relief to those affected. In a statement following the court hearing, a spokesperson for South Wales Police commented: “We hope this quick justice provides comfort to all those connected to My Sisters House. Being a victim of burglary, whether it’s your home or workplace, is deeply traumatic. We work hard to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Local law enforcement continues to remind businesses to stay vigilant. Officers urge proprietors to regularly review their security arrangements, including ensuring no cash is left overnight; such advice is particularly relevant in light of this recent incident. The police also encourage the public to be alert for any suspicious activity around business premises, especially in the early hours, stressing the importance of reporting such behaviour immediately by dialling 999.
This episode has highlighted both the vulnerability of independent local businesses and the importance of prompt and collaborative action between business owners and local police. It serves as a reminder of the value of surveillance, community awareness, and robust neighbourhood policing in keeping streets safer.
Owners of My Sisters House and nearby shops have expressed their gratitude for the rapid resolution of the case, but also hope it raises wider awareness around the ongoing challenges of crime faced by businesses in Cardiff’s city centre.
With both perpetrators now serving prison time, Cardiff authorities are reaffirming their commitment to protecting local commerce, encouraging anyone with concerns about security or suspicious activity to reach out for support.
This case underlines how a mix of modern technology, rapid response and public vigilance can make a real difference, sending a clear warning that those who target local businesses in Cardiff will be pursued and held accountable.