The co-owner of a burger van says he was left “shocked” after it was broken into a week before opening.
Charlie Harris and his cousin Jay, both from Sheerness, had spent more than £1,500 on their new business venture.
Jay and Charlie Harris spent more than £1,500 renovating their burger van. Picture: Charlie Harris
On January 4 the 26-year-old had locked up after spending the day renovating the catering wagon, which is parked at the Co-op Sports and Social Club in St George’s Avenue.
When he returned three days later, he discovered it had been burgled.
Charlie said: “I walked up to the van and thought it was odd that bits of architrave [the frame] had fallen off.
“We had got the locks fitted and painted the wood. The fridge and new hot plate had gone in.
“I then realised and it was just pure shock.
The door looks to have been pried open with a crowbar. Picture: Charlie Harris
“I was disappointed more than anything, considering it hasn’t even had a day of trading yet.”
The pair had spent £1,700 on revamping the vehicle, which included electrics, new woodwork and appliances.
Charlie hopes the business will become part of the community, providing fast food for football matches at the club as well as doing breakfasts and takeaways.
The dad-of-one has also been running Harris Pest Control on the Island for two and a half years.
The van was previously called the Fat Boys Snack Bar and Charlie has now discovered that the former owners had been burgled three times.
A new wooden hatch has been added, which is now set to have steel bars installed following the incident. Picture: Charlie Harris
“I think we just assumed we had better security,” he added. “We had already added better doors and a better hatch.
“Everyone knows each other around here. You never think it will happen to you.”
Nothing was taken from the van, however it was “completely trashed”. It is understood that the culprit sustained injuries from the incident.
Charlie said: “Someone’s gone in there for money, I would imagine, or maybe hoping for some food. They’ve ripped it all up.
“They definitely went there with intent because a crowbar was used – you can see the markings where they wedged the door open.”
The van is parked at the Co-op Sports and Social Club in Sheerness. Picture: Charlie Harris
The opening of the new business, which had been due to launch today (January 16), has now been delayed.
Charlie and his cousin are going to be spending a further £800 on tightening the security, which involves steel bars and another camera being added to the Co-op club.
He has posted an appeal on social media and is asking for the person responsible to come forward, no questions asked.
Staff are currently going through 36 hours of CCTV footage.
A spokesman for Kent Police said: “We are investigating a report that a burger van was broken into whilst it was parked at a social club in St George’s Avenue, Sheerness.
“Everyone knows each other around here. You never think it will happen to you.”
“The incident happened between 11am on January 4 and 9.30am on January 7.
“The offenders left the scene without stealing anything from inside the vehicle.”
Officers are appealing to anyone with information to call the appeals line on 01795 419119, quoting crime reference 46/3421/25.