A SOUTH Woodford cafe has been forced to strengthen security after a knifepoint robbery.

Chris Keen, group manager of Belgique, says he is concerned for the welfare of his staff after the South Woodford branch was burgled.

Two men, one armed with a knife, made off with a quantity of cash after they robbed the bakery-patisserie chain in High Road on Saturday, March 3.

The incident involved one member of staff who was not hurt.

Mr Keen said staff were traumatised after the incident and the cafe had beeen forced to toughen up security.

He says: “A scar is left on anyone who goes through something like that. I don’t think people realise the psychological damage it can leave on a staff member.

“You are angry because they are taking something you have worked hard for, whether it’s business or personal. Everyone feels the same way.

“I have no emotion towards the people who did this at this stage. My main concern is for staff.

“We are ramping security up as a precaution to make sure it doesn’t happen again."

Belgique has six branches across east London and west Essex.

Police are conducting an investigation and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

No one has yet been arrested.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 with the reference number CAD 1661/3March or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.