A Kosher restaurant whose glass door was smashed in and cash register stolen does not believe it was the target of a hate crime.

Police were called to Pita in Golders Green Road, Golders Green, at around 6.10am on Monday (October 9) to reports of a burglary and damage at the restaurant.

Although police said at the time that they were not treating the incident as a hate crime, there were fears it could have been an antisemitic attack amid an escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas.

On Monday, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on X, formerly Twitter: “A Kosher restaurant in Golders Green, north London, vandalised and a bridge metres away branded with ‘Free Palestine’.

“As in previous conflicts involving Israel, British Jews are being targeted amid a rise in antisemitic attacks.”

But in a statement released yesterday evening (October 10), Pita restaurant said that the incident was “not a hate crime, but rather a burglary attempt”.

Police confirmed today (October 11) that the offence was being linked to a series of other burglaries in the area and that enquiries were under way to identify the suspect.

As well as the damage to Pita’s door, it was reported that a cash register had been stolen from the restaurant.

In a statement released through the restaurant’s Instagram page, Pita said that it is not believed that the break-in was connected to the ‘Free Palestine’ graffiti that appeared on a nearby bridge.

The restaurant told supporters: “You've shown us so much love, and we are forever grateful for your unconditional support.

“We deeply appreciate your concern and kind words. You've reminded us how fortunate we are to have such an amazing community.⁠
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“We are heartbroken. Our thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones, and we pray for the safe return of the captives.”