Mechanic’s stolen van found in field with £40k worth of tools missing

Thieves took the van before cutting a hole to gain access to tools and equipment in back

Mechanic’s stolen van found in field with £40k worth of tools missing
Image: Bell Automotive.

A self-employed mobile technician has been left “sick to his stomach” after finding his van abandoned in a field with around £40,000 worth of tools stolen.

Luke Deacon’s tools were taken following the theft of his van, which has now been written-off, in Upton, Dorset at around 11pm on Friday, September 30 – Luke’s 34th birthday.

Mr Deacon was at home on the night of the incident but did not hear any commotion.

On Saturday, October 1, Luke discovered that his van had been stolen from outside of his home.

CCTV captured the moment two males in “dark clothing and balaclavas” took the van.

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Luke said: “I woke up Saturday morning, went outside and saw my van was no longer parked outside.

“I went out for a drive to see if I could find it and I found it in a field less than a mile from my house in a field.

“A square had been cut out the back and they had taken every tool I own.

“I’ve been collecting tools since I was 15 and I’m 34 now.

“They had taken all of them totalling around £40k worth of tools as well as trashing my van that is going to have to be scrapped.

“I broke down in the field and started crying, I felt completely sick to my stomach.”

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A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: “Dorset Police received a report on Saturday 1 October 2022 of the theft of a vehicle from Sea View Road in Poole.

“It is reported that the incident occurred at around 11pm on Friday 30 September 2022 and a number of tools, which were in the van, were stolen.

“A 31-year-old man from Poole has been arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle and released under investigation while enquiries continue.

“Officers are carrying out an investigation into the report and will be carrying out further enquiries, including checking available CCTV.”

1 Comment

  1. Let’s hope Luke had his tools insured
    As to the little f****r that did it released on bail really that will give him plenty of time to fence the gear

    Reply

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