Wrecking spree by raiders shuts garage near Bridgnorth
The owner of a garage this afternoon warned that staying in business will be 'challenging' after cars and equipment were wrecked by burglars.
Highley Garage, near Bridgnorth, is shut today after eight cars and essential equipment were damaged in the attack, which could cost thousands to repair. Manager Stephen Kelsey, who has owned Highley Garage for 18 months, branded the attack 'malicious' saying it has put a question mark over the site's future.
Police say the garage, in High Street, was targeted by a man and a woman who damaged eight cars on the forecourt, including some belonging to customers.
Mr Kelsey said a Ford Galaxy had also had a wheelie bin put through its windscreen.
Police are now appealing for witnesses in a bid to trace the pair, who were seen at the premises in High Street at around 2am on Saturday.
Mr Kelsey said he did not know when the garage would reopen.
"We are trying to stay in business which will be a challenge because of this.
"This is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the business. They have damaged eight vehicles, kicked in the door and attacked essential electronic equipment which we need to keep operating.
In doing so they have damaged themselves because there's blood around which we are now clearing up.
"We are waiting for the insurers to see what they say and trying to patch things up but the garage is closed for now so they have got what they wanted, but it is putting people's jobs on the line."
A West Mercia Police spokesman said the man kicked in the front door of the garage's shop before trashing equipment inside and throwing items onto the floor.
He said the woman remained outside causing further damage by scratching several cars. They made off when the alarm sounded.
Mr Kelsey said: "They have just trashed the place. What is wrong with people? It is a shame because it is affecting business and residents have already come in asking 'where do we go now for our fuel?'"
A West Mercia Police spokesperson today appealed to anybody with information to contact Bridgnorth police station on 101 or Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
