Businessman fights to save livelihood after garage break-in (From Warrington Guardian)

Businessman fights to save livelihood after break-in at GM Autos on Bridge Foot

12:40pm Thursday 23rd August 2012 in News

A GARAGE owner is fighting to save his business of 20 years after callous thieves stole tools worth thousands.

Two cars including a BMW M5 and a Vauxhall Astra were also taken during the raid at GM Autos, Bridge Foot on Thursday night.

Owner Gary Myers arrived at work on Friday morning to find that his business had been raided with tools and stock to the value of £15,000 taken.

The tools, kept in a security cage, will not be covered on his insurance. He is waiting to hear if the cars are covered.

Gary owns the BMW and the Vauxhall Astra was owned by a customer.

If they are not covered the 50-year-old will lose around £25,000.

He said: “I’m absolutely gutted.

“I never thought anybody would get in it.

“They have used some sort of pneumatic cutter to get through the bars as some are more than two inches thick.

“They are the special sort of tools that you amass over years that are hard to replace.

“Some of them my dad bought me when I was 15.

“Others were quite new – one of the diagnostic machines was five weeks old.

“I saved up for it, paid for it and was made up with it, but now it’s gone.”

A friend saw his car being driven in the town on Friday afternoon, after it had been stolen.

They realised it was not Mr Myers driving and informed him, but by the time he alerted police it was too late.

Officers are investigating the incident.

The number plate of the black BMW is H6SCK. The number plate on the silver Astra is YK53SXY. Anyone with information can call police on 101.

Despite the raid, Mr Myers is determined to keep the business he started on the Kerfoot Business Park 20 years ago going.

The Westbrook resident moved his garage to Bridge Foot 12 years ago and this is the first time he has suffered a break-in.

Friends have offered to lend him tools and he has been opening as usual this week.

“I am determined to carry on as I have been doing this a long time,” said Mr Myers.

“I need as much business as possible to get back on my feet.”