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Business on brink as tools stolen
A self-made businessman is on the brink of ruin after thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen.
Craig Jones has spent the past 15 years building up his civil engineering business, MC Jones Groundwork, and is now faced with the daunting challenge of starting from scratch.
The 45-year-old dad of two was astounded to discover that his unit, on Bradley Hall Trading Estate, in Standish, had been raided within an hour of him leaving work on Friday evening.
The thieves took more than 7,000 worth of equipment, leaving just a few spades and a cement mixer. Greater Manchester Police are currently investigating.
Craig, of Standish, said: "They have left me with nothing to work with so I am having to rent tools to carry on.
"They must have been watching me because they came in so soon after I left at 5.30pm. One of my neighbours phoned me to say that something wasn't right so I rushed straight down there and just couldn't believe it. They've taken more or less everything I had."
Among the haul were power tools such as wacker plates, and Stihl saws, plus generators.
Craig said: "I don't understand how they did it so fast. Some of the stuff they got away with is really heavy and would take at least two people to lift, such as a diesel generator.
"They got in by ripping off boarding and smashing a window but they only had a small hole to get the stuff through. I really don't know how they did it."
Craig has been warned by police that should he continue operating his business from the same unit, it will only be a matter of weeks before the thieves strike again.
He said: "They said they could more or less guarantee that if I replace everything that was lost it will soon go again, so I am going to have to up sticks and move premises to a completely new location.
"It's going to cost me 7,000 at least to get back on my feet. It's annoying that this stuff will probably have been sold in local pubs for about a quarter of what it's worth."
Despite the huge setback, Craig is determined to re-build his business.
He said: "I have no choice. When you have built up a reputation over 15 years you can't just pack it all in. It's going to be a hell of a struggle over the next year or so but I've got a family to look after."
If you have information about the theft, contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050
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Friday 25 May 2012
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