12-08-2025
Business as usual says takeaway owner after brazen break-in
A POPULAR takeaway on York's most famous street was broken into this morning – but it is business as usual as the owner vows to stay open.
The door to Shambles Kitchen was damaged as the culprit or culprits forced their way into the sandwich business in a brazen attempt to steal cash.
The incident is the latest in a spree of recent low-level crimes in York city centre.
The break-in at Shambles Kitchen is believed to have taken place at about 6am today, Tuesday 12 August (Image: Newsquest)
Owner Simon Long believes the break-in happened just after 6am but said nothing was taken as Shambles Kitchen is a cashless operation.
The business, alongside its burrito spin-off on nearby Shambles Market, prides itself on serving quality Yorkshire meats which are smoked slowly and piled into fresh artisan bread with home-made marinades, pickles and sauces.
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Simon said: 'I think they were looking for cash. Nothing has been taken, not even an iPad or beers from the fridge. It is similar to what has been happening recently.
'We don't take cash. They came in looking for the cash drawer and then just left.'
The door to the business now needs to be replaced after the four panels of glass were broken.
Simon said: 'It is business as usual. I just need to spend the day finding a joiner. I have been here 17 years, and I have never had a break-in. It seems like these are desperate times.
'Someone walked past this morning from another shop, and it wasn't broken then and someone was in the doorway. For us it is just important to open today.'
In April this year, police also attended Shambles to investigate early morning break-ins at Shambles Tavern when items, including a till, were taken, as well as Monk Bar Chocolatiers and Café Nero in nearby King's Square.
If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area this morning, or has CCTV footage that could assist police enquiries, contact 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
