Mechanic’s family launch appeal to replace stolen equipment worth £10,000

Shaun Stonier of Peak Tec, Leek, slept as a neighbour raised alarm to police

Mechanic’s family launch appeal to replace stolen equipment worth £10,000
Included in the list of items stolen were a number of sockets, screwdrivers, test pens, fuses, mirrors, and Milwaukee power tools. Image: Bigstock.

47-year-old mechanic, Shaun Stonier, received a rude awakening when police revealed thieves had broken into his van and stolen £10,000 worth of tools, reports The Sentinel.

The businessman had been settled for just one hour after moving his equipment, that was usually kept in the garage into the van, ready for an early morning job the next day, before he received the earth shattering news.

“When the police officers were taking down the statement it all hit home and I was very upset, even now it is still very sore for us all,” explained Shaun, who runs Peak Tec in Leek.

“It’s taken thirty-odd years to amass all of that kit and then someone goes and takes it, it was a huge shock.

“It impacts on the business as well but you have to carry on, which isn’t easy.”

Similar incidents

Shaun believes that replacing all of the stolen equipment would cost £10,000 brand new.

Sharna Bate, daughter of Shaun’s partner Andrea, said: “They took that many tools from Shaun, it took me around three hours to find a list of everything on Google Images to send to police officers.

“The day after the break-in my mum spent it crying, even Shaun broke down and it’s the first time my mum has seen him cry, he’s usually one to make everyone laugh.”

The 34-year-old of Falcon Drive believes there have been a number of similar incidents in the area, and since the break-in has been searching the internet to see if she could find any sight of the stolen tools.

“I must have spent around three hours again searching Facebook Marketplace to see if any tools matched Shaun’s.

“There have been quite a few break-ins around here recently, but the people behind them keep changing the number plates so the police cannot catch them.”

Police appeal

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward following the theft, a Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “We are appealing for information after a van parked on the driveway of a home in Glaisher Drive, Meir Park, was broken into and around £10,000 of tools taken on Tuesday, August 22 between 10pm and 10.40pm.”

Shaun’s family have launched a GoFundMe appeal for anybody willing to donate cash to help Shaun replace his tools, or tradesmen can visit Peak Tec in Leek to donate kit they no longer need.

Have you been affected by a similar experience? Leave your comments below.

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