Further van thefts see trader lose thousands

NICOLA FINDLAY

A van containing more than £14,000 worth of tools has been nicked from East Kilbride – the latest in dozens of thefts in recent weeks.

Overnight into February 20 at Chatham in Westwood the grey Vauxhall van was stolen containing tools and other items worth the six-figure sum.

A large haul of Makita power tools (similar to which are pictured left) were taken along with various hand tools, copper and plastic piping and fittings.

The theft has left plumber Craig Logie, 37, struggling to work after years of building up his work tools.

It comes after a self-employed locksmith and a taxi driver in Greenhills who transports children with additional needs also fell victim to thieves just last month.

Craig told the News he is “disgusted” by the heartless actions of the culprits.

“It’s been an absolute nightmare – this is affecting folks livelihoods. It’s just disgusting, “he said.

“I don’t want to think how many years it has taken me to build up all these tools and equipment - they don’t come cheap.

“And it’s going to take me a long time to get anywhere near to building it all back up.”

Craig added: “The company I work for is trying their best to help and I am trying to make do with what some of the other guys can lend me but I don’t know how much I will be able to work in all honesty.

“I literally parked up like I always do, the van was secured but when I came out the next morning it was gone.

“I don’t know how they managed it – they must have lifted the whole thing because I didn’t see any glass lying about as if windows had been smashed.”

Another vehicle was stolen at Gateshaw Wynd in Strathaven, a Ford Transit van, overnight into February 21.

Police have warned drivers to be extra vigilant in making sure their vehicles are secure with a spate of vehicle thefts and vandalism in the town and surrounding area.

Anyone with information can contact them on 101.

Meanwhile, at approximately 8.30pm on February 18, at Castle Street, Strathaven, near to the Cats Whiskers Cafe, two vehicles were allegedly damaged by an unknown vehicle which failed to stop and failed to report to collision.

An appeal for information was put on Facebook after the van “ploughed through” a metal barrier at the cafe car park.

The owner of one of the vehicles involved took to social media following the incident thanking passers-by who stopped and that although no one was hurt the car had been badly damaged.