Blood found in Oxford city centre Italian deli burglary

The break-in occurred at ItaliAmo deli in Broad Street, early on Tuesday (June 9).

Staff said the thieves smashed the glass door before forcing their way in to the deli, cutting themselves as they did so, and leaving traces of blood on the floor.

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Smashed glass was discovered on the floor of the deli by staff opening up on Tuesday and cash had been taken from the till. It is not known how much money was taken.

Staff said the break-in was reported to police, who are now investigating.

Since November 2020, students and tourists have been queuing up in Broad Street for tasty calzone, coffee and other treats at the deli, and there is an ItaliAmo trattoria next door.

In 2022, the business opened a second deli in Oxford High Street.

Stefano Loi and his wife Madina opened the ItaliAmo café in Broad Street in 2020 despite the pandemic, after long-serving sandwich bar Mortons closed.

Father-of-four Mr Loi, from Sardinia, said at the time he was delighted his calzone – oven-baked folded pizzas with different fillings – and focaccia sandwiches were proving popular.

The burglary at ItaliAmo follows two separate burglaries at businesses in Oxford on Sunday.

Norah’s Antiques in Turl Street was raided, and Mahogany Hairdressing in Little Clarendon Street was also burgled.

Thames Valley Police has been asked to comment.