A Dundee gardening business has been left counting the cost of a vandalism spree and theft at its Coldside headquarters.
All of the vehicles in Benji Walker’s fleet had their tyres slashed before the raiders made off with two lawnmowers and an industrial power washer.
Mr Walker says the theft and damage at his Coldside Road base, coupled with the loss of business, has left him more than £7,000 out of pocket.
The thieves attempted to cover their tracks by entering a neighbouring business and stealing its CCTV receiver box before starting the trail of destruction.
Mr Walker said: “We’ve not been able to operate for the last couple days while we sort everything out. Hopefully we’ll be back later in the week. I’ve no idea who could’ve done this, I’m baffled really.
“The CCTV camera was smashed and the hard drive was stolen. There was another van in the yard belonging to someone else that also got the tyres slashed.”
The raid took place between teatime on Friday and Monday morning at the compound in the Coldside Road industrial estate.
Alexander Puskins, owner of neighbouring ASP Pallets, said his CCTV camera was targeted in the raid.
He said: “I found out at 9am on Monday when Benji phoned me. They might have come in through a hole in the roof. They didn’t take anything from me apart from the CCTV receiver box because you probably could’ve seen their faces.
“It looked more like vandalism than them wanting to steal anything. But they took lawn machines and a power washer from Benji. I don’t know what happened. Maybe somebody was drunk and climbed over and punched the tyres.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “The compound was entered sometime between 5pm on Friday 25th July and 8am on Monday 28th July.
“During this period, a number of vehicles within the compound also had their tyres punctured. Two Honda petrol lawnmowers and an industrial power washer were stolen.
“Anyone who may have any information in relation to this incident should call 101 or contact any police officer.
“Alternatively information can be passed via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.”