A Milton Keynes man targeted by thieves for his work tools says he feels let down by police after they failed to attend an incident last week, because of a 'clerical error.'
Last Tuesday night more than £2,500 worth of tools were stolen from landscaper Will Tricks' van on Church Street in New Bradwell.
“They took two chainsaws, hedge trimmer units, a leaf blower, and a box of sockets and tools,” he told MKFM.
Police were informed at the time of the incident, but owing to a 'clerical error' no officers were sent. A police officer told Will that as a live incident, they should have been sent straight to the scene.
“I do feel very disappointed,” Will said, “Had they visited at that time, there would have been the opportunity to make an arrest.”
Witnesses said the thieves appeared to be well organised, with eight members arriving in two vehicles.
Despite taking all the necessary precautions and having an alarmed vehicle, Will has been regularly targeted by what he says are 'organised gangs.'
He estimates that he has lost more than £30,000 of equipment in 30 years.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police told MKFM: “We can confirm that we received a report at approximately 9.23pm on Tuesday 2 September regarding the theft of tools from a vehicle on Church Street, New Bradwell. With the suspects leaving the scene, the matter was promptly allocated for investigation, and enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.
“We do not underestimate the impact that crime of this nature has on people and their businesses – we strive to respond to every victim as soon as possible but this is unfortunately not always possible, and we have to deploy our resources where they are most urgently needed.
"Contact was made with the victim the morning after the incident and an investigation is underway and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders of this nature to justice.”
