Owners of a downtown Charlottetown food truck say they have endured a string of vandalism and theft that forced a temporary closure and cost them both product and equipment. The incidents occurred in recent weeks at the truck parked at Grafton and Queen streets, outside the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
Series of incidents disrupts service and raises safety concerns
Shawarma Time co-owner Mahmoud Mohammad said the business was struck by three separate incidents: power cords were stolen, replacement wires were later cut, and most seriously, the line connected to a propane tank was severed. The damage prompted the proprietors to close for a few days while they repaired equipment and assessed safety risks.
“Having broken propane lines that leaks propane or left over propane is definitely a hazard to the public where it could cause fire hazards or it could burn the trailer itself,” Mohammad said.
Mohammad said all three episodes have been reported to Charlottetown police. In addition to out-of-pocket costs to replace wiring and parts, the food truck lost about $1,500 worth of food, including 30 kilograms of chicken, which had to be discarded.
Impact on small business and downtown atmosphere
Food trucks and other small food businesses are a visible part of Charlottetown’s downtown life, serving residents, workers and tourists. The incidents at Shawarma Time highlight both the vulnerability of small operations and the ripple effects when they are targeted: lost inventory, repair bills and time closed mean reduced income for owners and fewer options for customers in the area.
Mohammad said the owners had to shut the main lines, take the truck back to a secure location for repairs and rethink safety measures going forward. He described the frustration of replacing goods and equipment only to have replacement wiring cut.
“It was all wasted. We definitely had to restock and have our supplier get us all the food again,” he said.
Details of reported incidents
The known impacts reported by the owners are laid out below.
- Three separate incidents reported to Charlottetown police.
- Equipment theft/damage: power cords stolen; replacement wires cut; propane line severed.
- Product loss: approximately $1,500 in food lost, including 30 kg of chicken.
| Incident | Effect |
|---|---|
| Power cords stolen | Loss of equipment, interrupted power supply |
| Replacement wires cut | Additional repair costs, further disruption |
| Propane line cut | Public safety hazard, temporary closure for repairs |
Police have been notified, but Mohammad said he and his partners felt they needed to act quickly to eliminate the immediate risk and protect staff and customers. The interruptions came at a time when downtown foot traffic remains important to small food operators recovering from seasonal fluctuations.
The incidents echo similar recent reports of vandalism affecting food and retail operations across P.E.I., including an isolated case in Summerside where a refrigeration line was cut at a butcher shop. For Shawarma Time, the priority now is securing equipment, restoring service and deciding what additional measures — lighting, cameras, or moving the truck overnight — might deter future attacks.
For residents and visitors, the visible effect is both practical and symbolic: fewer local food choices and a reminder that small businesses can be soft targets. Owners of other downtown businesses say they remain watchful and encourage anyone with information about the incidents to contact Charlottetown police.
No charges had been publicly reported in connection with the Shawarma Time incidents as of the latest report. The owners continue to repair and restock, hoping to resume regular service while balancing safety and operating costs.
