A COFFEE shop was burgled and its owner described the "mess" criminals left it in.

Mr Beans Coffee Shop, in Churchill Gardens, was broken into overnight between Monday, August 21, and Tuesday, August 22. 

Burglars broke off the lock securing the door hatch on the side of the mobile kiosk and took roughly £500 worth of stock and belongings.

Owner Nikolay Velkov told the Journal how he arrived on Tuesday morning to find the inside of his shop in a "mess".

He said: "They broke everything. They took all the soft drinks, sweets, my drill and my bin."

Salisbury Journal: The broken door lock latch on Mr Beans.The broken door lock latch on Mr Beans. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Wiltshire Police is investigating the break-in and has asked witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson for the force said: "We are appealing for information in relation to a burglary which occurred overnight between Monday, August 21, and Tuesday, August 22, at Mr Beans Coffee Shop, Churchill Gardens, Salisbury.

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"Officers are seeking anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area of Churchill Gardens and Southampton Road, Salisbury between 17:00hrs on Monday 21st August 2023 and 07:00hrs on Tuesday 22nd August 2023.

"If anyone has any relevant information please call 101 and quote reference number 54230088592."

Salisbury Journal: Mr Beans in Churchill Gardens.Mr Beans in Churchill Gardens. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Mr Velkov, a former landscaper from Surrey, fancied a change in career and took on a three-year contract from Salisbury City Council.

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He opened Mr Beans on April 1 and said so far business has been "hard", adding: "In the week it is quiet and at the weekend it's ok."

Salisbury Journal: Mr Beans.Mr Beans. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Customers have told Mr Velkov that they aren't visiting Churchill Gardens as frequently anymore due to the heavy traffic in the area along the A36.

The coffee kiosk replaced the Wood Bar near the toilets opposite the skate park after the business pulled out due to the lack of footfall.

Mr Beans is open from around 7.15am until 5pm every day and sells brownies, muffins, cakes, milkshakes, juice and ice cream as well as other snacks.