Raiders force gardener Ian to start from scratch
Thieves have cleared out a small gardening business that will now have to start from scratch again.
Over £3000 worth of equipment was stolen from IHF Gardening in East Calder and owner Ian Ferguson faces having to replace everything himself as he had no insurance.
Ian had built up his business over the last few years, tending the gardens of elderly people in East Calder, and said is he “gutted”he has been targeted by thieves.
They took a number of high-end items of equipment and Ian is appealing to members of the public to get in touch with the police if they are offered any of them.
The theft took place from a container at Dick Holdings in East Calder while Ian was on holiday on either November 26 or 27.
Among the equipment stolen was a Stihl petrol power unit with attachments, two McCulloch lawnmowers, a McCulloch hedge strimmer and a McCulloch 26CC power unit with various attachments.
Ian said:“I’m having to do work now with hand-held equipment. Luckily it’s quiet just now because it’s winter but when the weather gets better next year I’ll struggle.
“I wasn’t insured and I can’t claim on my house insurance so I’ll have to find the money myself and buy everything again. I suppose I’ve learned a lesson there.
“I’m gutted to be honest. I’d built the business up but I’ll have to start again from scratch.
“I’m hoping that if members of the public are offered any of the things that have been stolen they’ll get in touch so I can maybe get some of it back.”
● Anyone who has any information about the theft can call 101, contact their nearest police station or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.