The break in is believed to have happened between 1-2am on 4 June when thieves smashed through inspection windows in the rolldown shutters on the front of the building despite them being made of re-inforced steel.

Echo Tools operations director Darren Spencer said they only realised the value of the theft during a stock take, two weeks after the incident.

He said: "It's very damaging to our business and inflates our insurance premiums and stops us being able to meet the demands of our customers. We have increased security at the building with surveillance cameras costing £3,500 and steel shutters, which also cost £3,500, so it's quite a significant sum to be paying out."

Fourteen chainsaws, one power pruner, three "shred 'n' vacs", seven brush cutters and one hedge cutter totalling £17,648 went missing during the burglary.

PC Andrea Smith, who is dealing with the crime, said: "There is a housing estate behind the industrial estate and we are very keen to hear from anyone who might have seen or heard anything around this time."

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

 

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