£40,000 worth of tools stolen from carpenter
THIEVES have stolen a carpenter’s tools worth more than £40,000.
Simon Pritchard-green had spent 30 years building his supplies up.
After his unit at Weavers Yard in Manselton, Swansea, was broken into, he’s had to rebuild part of it and cancel work.
The father-of-four said his livelihood has been taken away and left him considering early retirement after a long career which has seen him build bars, restaurants and shop fronts across the region.
He said: “We had the boys cleaning the yard up on Friday after finishing a job, and when we came back after the weekend I saw the mess and said to one I thought they had cleaned the place up.
“Then we realised a lot of stuff was missing and what had happened. They had gone through every box and cleaned us totally out.
“They smashed the roof towards the back of the building and the only things they left were the big machinery they couldn’t get out through there.
“I’ve worked hard in this time to build my business into what it is today and they’ve taken everything. Tools that I’ve spent my career collecting, good quality tools that help me provide the best for my customers.
“This is my livelihood. I’m having to turn down business because I simply don’t have what I need to do the work”.
Mr Pritchard-green has worked a string of popular businesses over the years, such as Bambu, Lava Lounge, Martha’s and the Top Rank on the Kingsway. More recently he has built The Front in Aberavon for former Wales hooker Richard Hibbard.
He added: “I’ve had to spend all this week repairing the damage that was done, and I’m having to put work off.
“They just don’t realise the repercussions to me. Three years ago I had a van worth £21,000 pinched as well.
“All I’m trying to do is earn a living and put a bit of money away for my retirement. It is so disheartening. I’m only 55 but it’s made me think should I just retire.”
However, he added he had been touched by the offers of help he has received since the break-in.
“My current client is a firm of solicitors, and they have been very understanding, and I’ve had offers from people in all sorts of trades, as well as some former apprentices. I’ve even had offers of financial help, which I won’t take up but it does show the other side of what people can be like,” he said.
The break-in took place sometime between the evening of April 8 and the morning of April 11. Many of the tools are engraved with the initials SPG.
Mr Pritchard-green is offering a financial reward to anyone with information that leads to those responsible for the break-in and theft.
South Wales Police Sergeant Paul Baker said: “This was a high value burglary of tools and we are keen to trace those responsible because of the size and weight of some of the items which were stolen, it is believed that the suspect or suspects did have use of a van or vehicle to transport them.
“We are currently carrying out extensive enquiries and officers are checking CCTV in the area as well as speaking with residents and other businesses nearby.
“The burglary was carried out during the weekend when the site was closed and staff were not present.”
Anyone who has any information that could assist officers with their investigation is asked to contact them quoting reference 2200118805.