Pest control firm vows to expand after van break-in

A PEST control business has vowed to press on with an expansion into Dundee despite a work van being targeted by crooks.

The vehicle belonging to Eliminate — a pest control company which works across the UK — had its window smashed in an early morning raid.

The company had been in the process of expanding into the city.

Brian Baird, operations manager for the firm, said the break-in was “a blow” to the company’s future, but added it would not “pull the plug” on the expansion plans.

He told the Tele: “Basically, one of our vans was broken into while it was parked in Dundee. We have recently hired someone in the area because of our expansion.

“The person has smashed the driver’s side window and taken the sat nav.

“The company has only been going for a few years and this kind of thing has had a big impact.

“It is a bit of a nightmare to be honest because we always make sure we have the best stuff.

“We have had to go through the process of getting things fixed and replacement equipment being bought.”

Mr Baird believed it was a “random” break-in and added: “We will still be moving forward with expanding into the area.

“It is a shame because we feel like we have a lot to offer Dundee and this happens but it won’t stop our plans.

“We are coming into the city because we believe we can offer a great service — it is a shame that this has happened.

“It can happen anywhere. We won’t be pulling the plug on it because of that.”

The van was broken into in the early hours of Sunday morning, while parked on Craigmount Avenue, in the Charleston area of the city.

The crooks smashed their way into the van and made off with the sat nav which Brian said was a “top of the range” device.

It is understood that there was nothing else of value within the vehicle.

Eliminate is a pest control company based in Edinburgh but operate in areas including Glasgow, Dundee, West Lothian, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Dumfries and Manchester.

Police Scotland has been approached for comment but had not responded at the time of going to press.