Mr Beans considers leaving Salisbury after fourth burglary

Thieves reportedly broke into Mr Beans, in Queen Elizabeth Gardens, in the early hours of Friday morning, February 29.

Police received a call from business owner Nikolay Velkov, 50, at around 8.15am when he arrived to start a day's work and found his shop vandalised.

The shack's lock was broken, furniture was thrown around inside and a number of items were stolen.

Crime scene investigators were establishing what happened when the Journal arrived to speak with Mr Velkov who said he is seriously considering leaving the city because of the amount of crime he has experienced.

Mr Beans has been broken into for the fourth time in less than a year. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Velkov, who lives in Surrey, added: "I don't know what they are looking for. It's a small business, there's not millions inside, and I'm taking everything of value home with me.

"The only thing I want is them to leave me alone so I can work normally. Just to make some money for living and nothing else."

Mr Beans opened at Churchill Gardens on April 1, 2023, but burglars broke in for the first time overnight on August 21 and stole around £500 worth of Mr Velkov's stock and belongings.

Less than a month later, on September 13, Mr Velkov was struggling to make ends meet when Mr Beans was burgled again.

This time a professional coffee grinder, blender, microwave and chargers valued £2k were taken.

Nikolay Velkov's shop was burgled for the first time in August. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

On October 30, Mr Beans relocated to a more expensive plot of land in Elizabeth Gardens in a bid to avoid further crime but on December 29 thieves broke into the shack for the third time.

Three months on, Mr Velkov feels he is being forced out of the city due to the repeat burglaries.

"I moved here because I thought I would be safe. I just kept trying but I think it is not possible in this way," he added.

"The scumbags never leave me alone here so how can I stay?"

The incident took place on the same day as Vape Point, in Old George Mall, was broken into by a masked man.

Read more: ​Video shows masked man breaking into Vape Point, Old George Mall

Wiltshire Police said it is "keeping an open mind as to whether these burglaries are linked".

A spokesperson for the force added: "We are investigating a report of a break in at a mobile coffee shop in Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Salisbury, Friday morning (1/3).

"Damage was caused to a lock and furniture was thrown around inside. A number of items were stolen including a blender, frother and heater.

"Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54240024362."