Gardai in Cork are examining videotapes from street security cameras in an attempt to identify thieves who broke into the city's English Market and helped themselves to champagne and gourmet food.
The break-in occurred early yesterday morning. It seems the thieves had to scale tall buildings in the vicinity of the market before breaking glass panelling on the roof to gain entry.
They passed up truffles and handmade chocolates, but clearly lingered at the stall of Bubble Brothers, the champagne importers, where they sampled a number of bottles including one with a retail value of over £200. They also tasted a number of fine cheeses from other outlets in the market. When they were finished, they stacked the empty champagne bottles in a row before moving on to a clothes shop, where they selected a number of outfits before leaving.
No money was stolen, gardai said, and no damage was done to the stalls. However, it is hoped security cameras on the streets around the market will lead to the gourmet thieves being caught. Gardai said a forensic examination of the stalls believed to have been interfered with would also help to trace the culprits.