A small bakery nestled in the hills of a Saddleworth village has spoken out about their 'disappointment' after two young men were caught 'stealing' several brownies from its outdoor shack.
Flitcroft's Home Baked, just off Delph New Road on Station Approach across from the Fresca restaurant, is a small, family-run business with an impressive 4.7 star rating.
The self-proclaimed "chocoholic" and keen baker, Alex Flitcroft, sells her popular Belgian brownies from her kitchen, having perfected "the best fudgy brownie recipe" using the finest and locally sourced ingredients.
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In April last year, the bakery installed its own "brownie hut", complete with a single roof and traditional hinges, where Alex puts out her array of baked goods, including scones, rocky roads, flapjacks and cakes for walkers to purchase as they pass by.
The 'honesty box', which sits at the Delph end of the Delph Donkey bridal path, allows customers to pick up a brownie and pay for their goods via bank transfer or Paypal.
However, Flitcroft's Home Baked said it recently suffered a 'theft' from two suspected youths.
Ring doorbell footage shows the pair had attempted to conceal their identity with one covering their face entirely with a grey hoodie while another boy zipped his coat up to his nose.
The video then appears to show the duo reaching into the box and taking several baked goods from the shelves.
It seems they both helped themselves and stuffed the cakes into their pockets before walking away.
Speaking to The Oldham Times, Alex said she is "disappointed" by the thoughtless actions from the pair but has been "touched" by the outpouring of support from in the community - and is determined to stay positive.
The baker said most of her customers are "amazing" and always pay yet "occasionally, people come and help themselves to brownies without paying".
Alex said: "We're a small family-run business and have an 'honesty box' on the side of our house that we keep fully stocked with delicious brownies.
"Ninety-nine per cent of our customers are amazing and always pay the correct amount, which enables us to keep the box running.
"But occasionally, people come and help themselves to brownies without paying."
The baker said she posted the footage, not to "name and shame" the individuals but to "highlight the fact that we are trying to run a business, and don’t appreciate people taking from the box".
She continued: "This past year has been incredible to see the amount of support and feedback we’ve received, and we really do appreciate it all.
"This has happened a few times now and needs to be addressed.
"I don't like putting negative spin on the honesty box (because 99 per cent of our customers are lovely and pay the correct amount) but at the end of the day, we're a small family-run business trying to earn a living.
"However, as I said, this only happens very very occasionally, and we are so grateful to all our lovely customers that support the honesty box and enable us to keep it fully stocked with yummy treats."
Other customers and residents have since taken to social media to express their 'shock' at the footage, with many rallying around the bakery to lend their support.
Paula Bateson wrote: "I can't believe that they are acting like they're slick bank robbers in a Netflix film but they're actually stealing baked goods.
"Wow... how very uncool to steal beautiful homemade cakes.
"It's probably one of the most pathetic things I've ever seen.
"I'm so glad that you have a positive approach about most people."
Another woman, Nicole Remnant, said: "Most parents would be mortified if these two were their children."
Meanwhile, Stevie Hancock said he wasn't aware of the box and vowed he would pay the bakery a visit.
He wrote: "I like cake so I will be paying a visit and I will leave a few extra quid to help with your loss.
"If others do this hopefully it will help."
Flitcroft's Home Baked has glowing reviews from its customers, with many praising Alex for her "brilliant customer service" as well as the presentation of her "delicious" cakes.
If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.
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