Thieves target Ciao in Museum Gardens – owner speaks out

Emanuele Pecorari told The Press thieves had struck at Ciao in Museum Gardens, which he co-owns with his wife Sophie, four times in one week.

The 42-year-old said the coffee kiosk was targeted on September 3, 5, 7 and 8 when the gardens were closed, in addition to a separate break-in two months before.

“We feel very vulnerable,” he said from outside the kiosk where a joiner was working to repair the damage.

Ciao owner Emanuele Pecorari (Image: Newsquest)

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said its investigation into the incidents is ongoing and urged anyone with information to get in touch.

Mr Pecorari said about £200 worth of items have been stolen but more money has had to be spent on repairing the damage.

On September 3, he explained, notes were taken from the till and two days later coins and a card machine were stolen, as well as the till which gardeners found “smashed” in the gardens.

A joiner works to repair the damage at Ciao after the break-ins (Image: Newsquest)

A tip jar with small change in it was also stolen, as well as café equipment like notepads, Mr Pecorari added.

A spokesperson for York Museums Trust, which manages Museum Gardens, said it is working with Eboracum Security and Ciao to "put in place a number of different measures to help combat the problem".

Ciao owner Emanuele Pecorari (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Pecorari said he is worried that more break-ins could happen in the future.

“The feeling of coming here every morning thinking, ‘did it happen?’ – it’s stressful,” he explained, adding: “It’s the psychological aspect: you feel a bit defenceless.”

'We want to keep the gardens a safe and enjoyable space,' says trust which manages them

The police spokesperson said: “We are now conducting enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding these incidents and identify those who are responsible.”

They urged anyone with information to dial 101 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12240161111.

The York Museums Trust spokesperson said it is "very sad that Ciao has experienced these issues", adding: “We welcome around 1.3 million visitors into our gardens each year and we want to keep the gardens a safe and enjoyable space for everyone to enjoy.”

Mr Pecorari, who moved to York from Italy in 2010 to study, opened Ciao in March 2023 after running an ice cream take away business from an old ambulance in Museum Gardens.

He also worked as an independent documentary filmmaker for 12 years.

“It’s going well,” he said of Ciao, which has become known for its coffee and ice cream. “We have many regulars, it’s a nice place.

“People seem to be pleased and we are pleased by the way it’s going.”