Tradie robbed of livelihood

A SMALL-BUSINESS owner says he will struggle to make a living after heartless thieves torched his ute and pinched at least $2000 worth of tools.

Chris Chapman’s locked 2001 Ford Courier was stolen from a Lindisfarne street early last Monday morning.

It was later discovered burnt out in isolated bushland near Risdon Vale.

Mr Chapman, who owns Wild Pepper Isle and Chappy’s Home Improvements, said he used the ute “practically every day” for work.

“What they’ve done for a laugh is so disrespectful and thoughtless,” he said from the scene yesterday. “It’s really hard to see.” Mr Chapman only had third-party insurance but had spent about $8000 repairing the vehicle in the past year and said it was in “excellent condition”.

He called for witnesses or people with information to “speak up”, believing the culprits would strike again if unpunished.

Bellerive Police’s Adrian Mollon yesterday said the theft remained under investigation. “Acts such as this are committed by thieves, who are often acting opportunistically when they see belongings and valuables left in unattended vehicles,” Sergeant Mollon said.

“For people such as tradies, who can’t remove their equipment from vehicles or trailers, police would encourage them to mark and photograph the serial numbers on all their tools.”

Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au