GARAGE owners were shocked when they found their business had been targeted by rock-wielding yobs.

Paul and Lyn Eady, from PLG Upton and Walker Ltd, in Lower Putton Lane, Chickerell, found one of the panes of glass on their front door smashed when they opened up yesterday morning in an apparent attempted break-in.

Six stones were found on the ground close by and the toughened glass was smashed – none of the cars on the forecourt were damaged. But the damage caused disruption to the business yesterday.

The garage has CCTV inside and out and it is currently being viewed to see if any offenders can be identified.

The alarm system on the property did not go off, but only because the offenders did not smash through the second pane of glass on the door.

Nothing is believed to have been taken and there would have been nothing to steal as no cash is kept on the premises.

Mr Eady said he had lost half a day’s work sorting out the mess, sweeping up the glass and getting quotes from the insurance company.

He said he was upset, adding: “Everybody’s struggling these days. Just when you make a few quid it’s gone on mindless vandalism.”

He said they had been left ‘despondent’ by the incident.

Mr Eady said they knew the incident had happened overnight on Sunday from reviewing CCTV footage.

He said: “The alarms and CCTV are active, footage is being examined.”

The pair have run the business from the Chickerell building for six years and said they had never had any problems before. Dorset Police are investigating the incident.

A spokesman for the police said: “This was reported at 8.30am on Monday as an attempted break-in at Upton and Walker in Chickerell.

“The glass of the front door was smashed. We do not believe entry has been gained.”

He added: “It could be criminal damage but it is being investigated.”

Dorset Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone that heard anything to get in touch on 101 quoting crime number 09-58.