A family-run Italian restaurant in Queen's Park has lost at least £35,000 over two decades due to a relentless series of break-ins. Opportunistic thieves have targeted Ida 20 times, with the most recent incident involving the theft of expensive construction materials and builders' tools during a renovation.
Latest Break-In Delays Reopening
Livio Reichendcach, whose parents Avi and Simonetta Wenkert run the popular Kilburn Lane establishment, said the overnight burglary has tainted what should have been an exciting new chapter. 'We were really looking forward to showing off what we've been up to for the last four weeks,' he told MyLondon. 'The restaurant was done on a shoestring budget when we first opened and this was a chance to make it how we always wanted with the budget it deserves. This definitely isn't the end of the road but it's delayed our reopening, which obviously has its own financial implications.'
CCTV footage captured the burglar prying open the front door and stuffing a shopping trolley bag with whatever he could find in the early hours of Saturday, May 16. He made off with tools worth approximately £15,000.
Security Challenges
Unfortunately, sensors that would normally alert the police had been removed due to ongoing construction work. The thief also bypassed custom exterior bars installed specifically to enhance security. 'The guy wasn't wearing gloves and you can see his face on the cameras so it's possible the police might be able to find him,' Livio said. 'But they couldn't get any fingerprints because of all the dust. Sadly, it's rare that people get caught and it's even rarer that they feel in any way deterred.'
The restaurant is located just two minutes from the local police station, highlighting the brazenness of the thieves. 'They know officers can be there in two minutes but they still go for it because they roll the dice and think it probably won't happen - and they're right,' Livio added.
Frustration Over Petty Crimes
The majority of the break-ins have been petty, low-level attempts, which adds to the frustration. The award-winning restaurant does not store cash on the premises and has little of value that is easy to snatch. 'This is what really annoys us,' Livio fumed. 'It's not about what they take but the consequences of it. They're never planning a heist where they properly plan it and take our ovens, for example, but every time it's £1,000 we need to spend on a locksmith or glazier.'
In a previous incident, a man broke in to retrieve a driver's license he had voluntarily given to staff after borrowing money. Instead of repaying the loan, he smashed his way in, but the address he left with the waitresses led police to his real home.
Difficulties in Securing the Premises
Ida has large glass windows and is situated in a Grade II-listed corner building, making it difficult for owners Avi and Simonetta to make significant structural changes to improve security. The family also wants to avoid turning the traditional trattoria into an 'unappealing fortress.'
Livio believes his parents have been forced to accept that constant crime is part of running a business. 'It's a shame we can't just exist with a door, key and lock,' the 24-year-old said. 'As a kid, it really freaked me out seeing the place my parents had poured all of their blood, sweat, and tears into smashed up. I've seen that sight many, many times now. I'm kind of desensitized to it, but it is sad when you kind of stop and think about it for too long.'
He continued: 'They think of the break-ins as one of the many things that can happen when you're in a business, in the same way that a piece of machinery can break down or a member of staff can be sick and impact that day's takings. There isn't time or spare energy when you're running a small business to really get upset about these kinds of things, but that being said, it does make it depressing.'
'It's a funny thing because on one hand you really see the best of your neighbours, because you get to know customers, they get to know you, and there are people that we've known for two decades now, but you also see the worst of your neighbours because you are exposed to nonsense like this.'
Ida hopes to welcome customers again in a few weeks with a 'slightly more polished' look than before.
