Repair firm targeted by ram-raiders

Damage worth thousands has been caused in a ram-raid at an industrial estate unit.

The Electrotec Repair Centre on the Ellingham Industrial Centre in Ashford was targeted at about 1.45am on Tuesday.

It is believed raiders rammed the main doorway with a Cherokee-style vehicle, before driving off. They then returned in a van on two more occasions early that morning.

Alan Lacey, manager at the machinery repair firm, said that goods had been stolen but a count-up of stock was still taking place.

He said it will take up to a month for the business to recover from the incident, despite it remaining open immediately afterwards.

Mr Lacey said: “A few bits have been stolen but it is more the damage they have caused.

“They came right through the door and into the shop. They did the main doors.”

It is estimated up to £10,000 of damage has been caused.

The vehicle shunted the front desk, an office, the till and broke customers’ items that were in for repair. This also included damaging a computer and the firm’s internet access.

Mr Lacey said a similar incident happened eight years ago, when £30,000 of damage was caused.

The business has been in Ellingham Way for 19 years.

A CCTV surveillance system was installed on Tuesday, just hours after the raid took place.

The incident has been reported to police who are investigating.

A police spokesman said: “Entry was gained to the business premises by damaging the front shutter doors.

“It is said a quantity of power tools have been stolen.”

Anyone with information can call police on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/037450/16 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Damage to the front desk, left, and main entrance, right, at Electrotec Repair Centre after the business was shunted by ramraiders in in a four-wheeldrive vehicle. Thieves later returned two more times with a van