Police say attacks on local businesses, like the arson at the Sunflour Cafe over the weekend, will not be tolerated. Photo: Sunflour / supplied
Auckland police are investigating an arson at a cafe on the Hibiscus Coast at the weekend.
Sunflour Cafe posted on social media saying their business was broken into and set on fire on Saturday night.
"Thankfully, no one was hurt - but our little home away from home has suffered some serious damage," the post said.
"We're devastated, to say the least. This place means so much to us and to so many of you who've made it part of your daily routine, celebrations, and community. But we want you to know one thing: we're not going anywhere."
The cafe was already working on clean up and repairs, and hoped to reopen as soon as possible, the post said.
Police in Ōrewa have now launched Operation Governor to investigate the most recent blaze.
It comes after another attempted arson and damage caused at nearby businesses over recent months, police said.
There had been four incidents to date, including wilful damage.
Damage done to the Sunflour cafe in Orewa. Photo: Sunflour / supplied
Waitematā North Area Commander Inspector John Thornley said attacks on local businesses would not be tolerated.
"These arsons are not only damaging property, but it's affecting peoples' livelihoods, and Police is open-minded about whether any of these incidents are linked," he said.
Thornley said they would be engaging with the public over the coming days, and they could expect a larger police presence in the area.
"We want to hear about any suspicious activity that people might have seen on Saturday night," he said.
"I'm asking anyone with dashcam footage around the Ōrewa township, between 10pm and midnight, on Saturday 1 November to make themselves known to the investigation team."
"No piece of information is too small, so please come forward as soon as possible."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
