Find local news in Kent

Home   Canterbury   News   Article

‘Disgust’ as man captured on CCTV smearing poo on Canterbury’s Saint Smokeys restaurant

17:01, 11 April 2024

updated: 17:48, 11 April 2024

Poo was smeared across the windows of a popular restaurant’s windows - leaving the owners “disgusted and confused”.

A man was captured on CCTV targeting the Caribbean eatery Saint Smokeys' BBQ House in Canterbury with faeces.

It was also reported he wiped excrement across the buttons of a nearby pedestrian crossing near Waitrose in St George’s Place.

The disturbing act unfolded at about 1.30am yesterday, according to reports.

Stevie Bradshaw is joined in the business with husband Luke, who co-owns it with his father. She described yesterday’s incident.

“We were really shocked, disgusted and confused as to why anybody would do that anywhere - let alone to us,” the 36-year-old said.

“When our staff informed us when they first arrived, it was not nice.

CCTV captured a man smearing faeces on Saint Smokeys BBQ House's window in Canterbury. Picture: Saint Smokeys
CCTV captured a man smearing faeces on Saint Smokeys BBQ House's window in Canterbury. Picture: Saint Smokeys

“They had to clean the windows and the guy deliberately smeared it into the lock so it meant unlocking the door was difficult because it was covered in poo. It was really upsetting.

“It took them half of the morning to make sure they had disinfected and cleaned thoroughly.

“They had to stop what they were doing in the shop to do that.”

The owners hope CCTV footage released by them will encourage the culprit to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “We received a report of criminal damage to the doors and windows of a business in St George's Place, Canterbury, at about 1.30am yesterday.

“Damage was also reportedly caused to nearby roadside furniture.

Saint Smokeys recently moved to the new site in St George's Place, Canterbury, opposite Waitrose
Saint Smokeys recently moved to the new site in St George's Place, Canterbury, opposite Waitrose
Father and son Saint Davis and Luke Bradshaw set up Saint Smokeys' BBQ House in Canterbury ten years ago
Father and son Saint Davis and Luke Bradshaw set up Saint Smokeys' BBQ House in Canterbury ten years ago

“Initial details of the incidents have been recorded pending further inquiries.

“There have been no arrests to date.”

Restaurant owners and father-and-son team Saint Davis and Luke Bradshaw told last year how they had found their dream location.

They moved from their former King Mile site to St George’s Place, which meant their covers increased from 10 tables to almost 90 in the new eatery opposite Waitrose - taking over the former Cafe De China buffet, most recently called Yummy Kitchen.

The pair hunted for new premises for more than five years but competition for business space around the city was extremely tough.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More