'It's a regular occurrence': Northampton Market Square food van hit by fifth break-in as owner calls for support

Northamptonshire Police said an unknown offender forced their way into Fryin’ Brian food van sometime overnight between Monday (August 31) and Tuesday (September 1).

Owner of the van Andy Starsmore, 63, said: “It is always a shock because you get inside and have a look, and you don't know what the extent of the damage is going to be.

“Fortunately, there wasn't much internal damage, just things thrown about a bit. So it was just cleaning and tidying up needed before starting again.”

Andy said more than £100 was taken, mostly in loose change which had been left in the van because of the difficulty of carrying it around.

He said the latest break-in was particularly frustrating because the food vans had been targeted before.

He said: “With the number of break-ins we've had, I think it's four or five now, which we've reported each time to the council, but no real response.

“We had one break-in when we were down Commercial Street where we caught the person and got a conviction. We presented the details to the council and they didn't want to know. It just seems to be a regular occurrence.”

Andy said he has also found it difficult to get CCTV footage from the council.

He said: “Any support from the council to assist is greatly, greatly appreciated.”

In response, West Northamptonshire Council said: “We understand the concerns raised following this incident. Where an incident has been reported to the police and forms part of an active criminal investigation, any CCTV footage that may be relevant is reviewed and secured by Northamptonshire Police as part of their enquiries. Footage of this nature would only be released at the conclusion of any court proceedings and where it had been used as evidence to secure a conviction. The council operates CCTV cameras across Market Square and the wider town centre to support public safety and help prevent and detect crime.

"The cameras are monitored and recorded 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and Northamptonshire Police have dedicated access to CCTV footage for investigative purposes. Any footage relevant to this incident will be reviewed by the police as part of their ongoing investigation.”

The break-in comes as Andy and Fryin’ Brian continue to fight WNC over their future at Northampton Market Square.

The dispute is due back in court, with a one-day trial expected to take place at the end of November, although this is subject to change.

Andy previously told the Chron that the legal action could put the future of the business at risk.

At a hearing in July, District Judge Glassbrook ruled the matter should proceed towards a fast-track one-day trial, with the potential costs estimated at around £25,000 to be paid by the losing party.

WNC has previously said it would not comment further while the legal case is progressing.