'Brazen' thieves reported to have stolen £8k of tools from Dorset village

Jay Prewett, a builder living in Affpuddle, reports that the thieves made off with £8,000 of equipment during one night.

• READ MORE: Tools reported stolen after container and truck were 'broken into'

Damage made by thieves reported to have stolen thousands of pounds of tools from Affpuddle, pictures: Jay Prewett

Mr Prewett reports the incident took place at around 1.30am and it was only the next morning when he went to his workshop he noticed the items were missing.

He continued: “I went down on Saturday morning when I needed some grippers from my truck when I saw it was open and I noticed my tools had gone.

“My next-door neighbour had also been hit, my friend's truck that was parked here had two windows smashed, and my container had been broken into and left open.

Damage made by thieves reported to have stolen thousands of pounds of tools from Affpuddle, pictures: Jay Prewett

“In total, I estimate they probably got off with more than £8,000 equipment, as well as the damage they have caused.”

The thieves are alleged to have taken all of the builder’s work tools, which has put pressure on his family.

“It has been a big stress for my partner and my neighbours are shaken by it. There is a big cost to replace the tools and repair the damage,” Mr Prewett added.

“I hope if anything comes of this is that people are more vigilant and to make it more difficult for these sorts of people.”

Damage made by thieves reported to have stolen thousands of pounds of tools from Affpuddle, pictures: Jay Prewett

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a report at around 10.20am on Saturday, April 23 that a vehicle and storage container had been broken into in the Affpuddle area near Dorchester. The incident is believed to have occurred at around 1.30am earlier on the same day and tools were stolen.

"On Sunday April 24 a further call was made by the victim to Dorset Police providing additional information in relation to the incident, including CCTV footage of the suspects wearing balaclavas. Having obtained the relevant information, the matter was allocated for an investigator to review the crime and to make contact with the victim.

"Investigators have spoken to the victim and are following lines of enquiry to try and identify those responsible. The Rural Crime Team are also reviewing the incident and contacting the victim to assist in identifying the suspects and to patrol the area."