Devastation at burglary at Ludlow shop

Tim Gaudin discovered the burglary when he opened Broad Bean – a food boutique that has been in Broad Street since 1977 and run as a family business for many years.

He discovered that the thieves had got in through sky lights that were forced and as well as stock being taken a safe was ripped from a wall and removed.

It is estimated that the amount of stock and cash taken represents 15 per cent of the annual profits of the business.

This is the second time in recent years that the shop has been broken into.

“The first time we were burgled the thieves smashed their way through the wall from next door,” said Nick Gaudin, a partner in the business.

"On Saturday night or Sunday morning they broke in through a sky-light in the roof, abandoning the ladder they then broke out of a back door.”

“This occasion they got away with thousands of pounds worth of stock and cash.

“They took the safe away with them, along with bottles of spirits. This represents around 15% of our annual net profit.

“Losing the stock and cash is one thing but repairing the damage caused is more expense that we can ill afford. A structural survey is required to look at the wall that was damaged when the safe was forcibly removed There is also repair to the two skylights.”

He said that while the company has insurance he described the payout that will come as effectively a loan that will be recovered through increased premiums.

Mr Gaudin said at times he did wonder if it was worth carrying on but it has been business as usual.

“As a small business we are a target for the Government to rip us off as unpaid tax collectors, a cash cow for the banks, and a crime levy from the criminal class,” he added.

“Why keep doing it? Sometimes I find it hard to say why we do. But then I remember that Broad Bean is not just a business but is also a community asset and the support and best wishes of the community is what keeps us going.”