David Bailie, owner of the cafe and adjoining Elbow Room bar, said the break-in was a double whammy for the business which, like every other small Northland business, was already grappling with tough economic times.
"These people don't realise there's a recession on and everyone I employ is a Kiwi. My first responsibility is not to make a profit but to look after my workers and make sure they get paid,'' Mr Bailie said.
The people responsible were "lower than rats, because rats don't pick on their own'', he said.
Although the business was insured, it was barely worth claiming by the time he had paid the excess and waded through the claims process.
Since the break-in, he had installed four new CCTV cameras.
Kerikeri police Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson urged anyone with information to call the station on (09) 407 9211.
