HOLE LOT OF BOTHER
MAN CAUGHT ON CCTV REMOVING SLABS AND ‘ATTACKING’ WIRES
THE owner of an award-winning NG beauty salon which had recently been renovated was astonished to find a large hole dug right outside her premises, with underground cables and pipes exposed.
Laura Timms, who co-owns Luxe, in Regent Court, Hinckley, first thought the mess had been caused by workmen – but on checking the CCTV she immediately contacted police.
Laura said the hole was dug by a man who was spotted on the shop’s cameras, removing paving blocks and loading them into a car before digging down and interfering with the pipes and wires.
The electrical supply and drainage to the shop have been affected as a result of the digging.
Laura said she had been “astonished” when she came across the large hole shortly after midday on Sunday.
She first thought it was part of some unannounced work by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, or one of the utility companies.
“I came from working at a wedding and I was in shock when I saw a massive hole with a pipe and dangerous wires all exposed,” she told the Mercury.
“I called the council but it was a bank holiday weekend, so I had to wait until they were open again.”
After getting through to the council on Tuesday, Laura said no-one at the authority was aware of any legitimate works and all seemed certain it had no involvement.
Baffled, Laura then turned to check the shop’s CCTV.
She said: “I was horrified to see an older man first removing the block paving, and putting the blocks in his car.
“Then he proceeded to dig out the hole and started attacking the conduit supply into the building,” she said.
She then contacted police to report the incident.
She said: “We have spent so much money recently renovating the salon and trying to make it look as nice as possible.
“I had only recently put up CCTV stickers in the shop window the week before.
“I just feel so violated and I worry for my business and my stock.”
Laura covered the hole to protect pedestrians and school children who frequently use the road and is waiting for someone to come out and repair it.
“We have only recently won a Best Bridal Salon award from the Hair and Beauty awards, and now I just feel like all the joy has been ruined,” she said.
Nick Wright, who owns the building in the shopping court, just off Regent Street in the town centre, has viewed the CCTV and believes he may know who the culprit is. He is working with police as they carry out inquiries.
Nick said: “When Lisa sent me the photos, I thought it didn’t look like a professional job. I think I know who did this, but we have informed police.”
A spokesperson for the force confirmed that an investigation was under way, and is urging anyone who witnessed the incident to get in touch.
The spokesperson said: “Police have received a report of criminal damage near a shop in Regent Court, Hinckley.
“It was reported that a hole had been dug at the side of the shop and damage caused to the electrical supply cable and drainage.
“The damage is believed to have been caused between 6am and 12.30pm on Sunday, August 29.
“Police are investigating the report and inquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with any information should contact police quoting incident 21*505859.”