A Westbury business owner is urging companies in the area to review their security measures after thieves stole more than £100,000 worth of machinery from his business.
Matthew Rowe, director and proprietor of Hire Standards, located on the West Wilts Trading Estate, said the theft has been ‘devastating’ and is encouraging other business owners to review their security and insurance policies to protect themselves.
The balaclava-clad thieves made off with a range of plant and machinery equipment, including small diggers, track barrows, rollers, and a concrete crusher, during a break-in earlier this month.
“The theft is devastating, affects all the staff, and feels personal to me as the owner,” said Matthew. “Insurance claims are timely and costly, but local people, friends in business, and customers have been really understanding and supportive as we rectify the damage, which is encouraging.
“The break-in follows and ends somewhat our recent celebrations in acquiring Universal Tool Hire – an attempt for growth and the future of the business.
The incident took place late into the afternoon on Saturday 8th March and continued into the early hours of Sunday 9th March. Staff discovered the break-in when they arrived for work on Monday 10th March.
It soon emerged that thieves had cut through Hire Standards’ compound fence and a gate lock to gain entry. The group then removed trackers from the stolen equipment, loaded the items into the back of a white transit van and left the West Wilts Trading Estate.
Matthew is urging other businesses in the area to take additional security measures and ensure they are adequately insured. He also advises similar companies to retain documentation regarding equipment purchases, as these are vital when making an insurance claim.
Since the break-in, Hire Standards has reinforced its security, replacing fences and locks and installing concrete roadblocks to prevent further incidents. The company is also working to replace the stolen equipment as soon as possible and have updated their alarm systems.
“We have to keep going and not let petty crime bring down our community or our livelihood,” said Matthew. “It’s hard, but what else can I do?” This is the third time Hire Standards has been targeted by thieves, Matthew added.
Wiltshire Police, who the White Horse News contacted for comment, are investigating the incident. Officers are working closely with Hire Standards to follow up on leads and analyse CCTV recordings from the West Wilts Trading Estate. If anyone has information regarding the break-in, they can contact Wiltshire Police using Crime Ref 54250029563.
Pictured: Matthew and his team have put in new concrete roadblocks to fend off would-be break-ins
