Elliott Stables business owners on edge after burglars broke in to steal the master key and returned the next night to rob individual eateries

Josephine Yo, co-owner of Lepak Malaysian eatery at Elliott Stables. Photo / Lincoln Tan

Business owners at a central Auckland dining village are on edge after burglars broke in overnight on Saturday to steal the master key and returned the next night to burgle individual eateries.

Among the items stolen from the businesses at Elliott Stables were cash tills, security camera equipment, mobile phones and laptops.

A police spokesman said a report was received on Monday that several businesses had been broken into inside a food court on Sunday night.

The Herald understands the burgled businesses include Jungle 8, Luna Bakehouse, Bao Baby Bao, Koiya, Bonz Cajun Kitchen and Lepak.

There are 10 eateries inside Elliott Stables dining village. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Josephine Yo, co-owner of Lepak, said the food court was first broken into overnight on Saturday.

But it was only after reviewing the security cameras after the second break-in that it was discovered the thieves had taken the master key.

“They stole our cash till but there was no money inside,” Yo said.

“But because we know he has the master key, we are on edge because the burglar can return anytime.”

The owner of Deniro Ristorante said he had changed his lock as a precaution.

Yolanda Chen, co-owner of Bao Baby Bao, said the burglars got into the eatery’s storage room and left a mess.

“We are pretty upset that, after the first break-in, the management did nothing to prevent the second one from happening the next night.”

There are 10 eateries inside Elliott Stables.

Police said they were investigating after a burglary at a commercial address on Elliott St.

“We are speaking to the business owners to find out what has been taken and our investigation is ongoing,” the spokesman said.