Thieves steal Bristol man's £20k burger van
A Bristol father has lost his livelihood after thieves took the £20,000 snack wagon he runs in Longwell Green.
Salvatore Corsentino has been selling from his Food on The Move van in the Homebase car park on Elsemore Road for three months.
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But overnight from Sunday to Monday thieves entered the site, broke the lock off of the tow hitch and took away his business.
As Mr Corsentino had not yet insured the wagon, he is desperate to get it back so he can support his partner Katrina and son Rocco.
The 32-year-old, of Stockwood Lane, said: "I can't do anything without my wagon.
"I've got a house and a four-year-old boy to look after and I've lost my livelihood.
"I arrived at the car park and all that was left were the chairs and benches I put out for my customers.
"I've had it three months and have been building up business.
"I've had people ringing me up asking where I've gone."
The wagon is a white, twin-axled vehicle.
It has black writing on the sides and back, saying "roast beef and pork rolls", "chips" and "rolls and baguettes".
The wagon contained drinks and an electric generator.
Mr Corsentino pays £450 per month in rent to Homebase, as well as £1,300 per year to South Gloucestershire Council for a licence to trade.
He alleges staff at Homebase forgot to lock the gates to the car park when the store closed on Sunday afternoon.
"If Homebase have been negligent I want to know if they can compensate me in anyway," he added.
There is no contract between him and the store that says they are obliged to lock the gates.
A Homebase spokesman Simon Bibby said: "Homebase is concerned to hear of this incident involving Mr Corsen- tino's mobile catering van.
"We have the utmost sympathy for Mr Corsentino.
"However, his contractual agreement is with Retail Concessions Ltd, who are responsible for managing all concessions on Homebase property.
"While we are not in a position to comment on any contractual obligations or related issues, it is our understanding that the agreement in place with third party businesses to operate on site does not include security measures.
"We value the contribution made by third party concessionary businesses operating in close proximity to our stores and hope Mr Corsentino is able to resolve this issue as soon as possible."
Anyone who has seen the snack wagon should call the police on 08454567000 or Crimestoppers, 08000 555111.
32 Comments
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by Andrew, York
Friday, August 28 2009, 10:17PM
“sort of reminds me of the bloke off Shooting Stars.”
by cassie, bristol
Monday, August 24 2009, 1:11PM
“cant believe this is still goin on!!!!
That was a temporary van, if you bothered to ask, you would of known that!!”
by Anon, Anonville
Monday, August 24 2009, 9:06AM
“Well, he and the van were back serving burgers on Saturday.
Got that back quick.....”
by Ambassador Londo Mollari, Babylon 5
Friday, August 21 2009, 11:50PM
“@cassie MB didn't imply he had no licence; that was a simple comparison. What happened was that you *inferred* that from MB's comments.
@Ian If he'd had a prang while towing the trailer, the insurance on his car might not have covered it; chances are his car insurance is domestic, and what he would have been towing is commercial. That's irrelevant, though, because it didn't happen. It's purely hypothetical.
All that matters is what did happen - which is that the guy's livelihood has been pulled out from under him. Unfortunately, though, that lack of insurance is the key, and it loses any sympathy I might otherwise have had.
@Tanya I had to claim on my insurance when my car was stolen a few years ago. I didn't have any problems at all - quite the opposite, in fact. My insurers were pleasant, helpful and efficient.”
by Malc, Briz
Friday, August 21 2009, 5:44PM
“My mistake. Misleading headline then?”
by Ian, Hanham
Friday, August 21 2009, 4:53PM
“Malc, the write up is a little misleading. It isnt a van (I previously saw it in the Homebase carpark). It is one of those trailers so it has to be hitched up to a car or van to be towed. So if anyone were to have an accident involving Mr Corsentino then of course he would have insurance on his car or van (or would he?)”
by Malc, Briz
Friday, August 21 2009, 4:13PM
“The most relevant comment on this thread has been made by Tom. None of you lot would be too pleased if this guy had pranged your car and he had no insurance leaving you with all the costs. Milk of human kindness would soon evaporate then!”
by MB, Bristol
Friday, August 21 2009, 2:26PM
“Cash business...holding folding....unknown suppliers...no insurance...dodgy area...
Isn't that just a little bit Trotterish?
All right Arthur Daley then?”
by 'classy' cassie, bristol
Friday, August 21 2009, 1:56PM
“oh im so dreadfully sorry MB, its seems you IMPLIED it!!!
And delboy!? He did knock off's, He didnt own a legitimate business that was stolen!!”
by MB, Bristol
Friday, August 21 2009, 1:47PM
“It's you who can't read Classy Cassie - I said the bloke in Fishponds didn't have a licence not your mate Delboy Concertina.”