EXECUTIVE REPORT continued
Another equipment theft victim was Buckingham Plant Services of Horwich, which might have to close its operation following a break-in on 28 October. Proprietor Darren McArdle said that the main access road on their trading estate location was being resurfaced as part of a housing development, with contractors needing site access out-of- hours. “Thieves jacked up the roller shutter door to make an opening, and then used an oil drum to widen it further. They took tools and light equipment, including a lot of machines from customers for repair, which is something I specialise in. I will have to make good these losses. I can’t get insurance, having suffered break-ins before, and I took a loan out the last time to cover the costs, which I am still paying back. I may eventually have to close the business, which would be a tragedy. My father founded it 32 years ago, and I took it over from him 18 years ago.”
Hirers have expressed frustration about the response they have had from the police and the strains on the force overall. Steve Hitchen said, “No one has a bad word to say about the officers’ conduct, but all agree that they just seem to go through the motions of tracking details and records, and are completely overwhelmed.
Mark Thompson of Alpha Hire, shortly after the break-in at the Hindley premises.
I have written to my MP about it. However, the Merseyside Police seem to be most proactive and they have set up a taskforce of detectives to investigate the crimes, liaising with the Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire forces.
“I urge all hirers to take precautions. If possible, move small equipment upstairs or in secure cages, and place barriers across doorways and roller shutters to prevent break-ins.”
• •
For details of more preventative measures that can be taken see our report on the recent CITS Conference starting on page 51.
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