Colchester: Tools stolen from army medic by 'disgusting' thief

Shannon-Louise Addison, 29, a health and social care worker, moved to Ebony Close, Colchester, with her husband, 30, an army medical technician, last November.

But sometime between 11am and 4.30pm on March 25, the couple’s garage was targeted by a callous crook who punctured the door to gain access.

Once inside, the criminal rounded up £800 worth of power tools, including an angle grinder, impact wrench, drill and several spanners.

In addition to making off with the Armed Forces worker’s DeWalt haul, the thief also stole the family’s black rubbish bin.

Damage - Shannon-Louise's garage after the theft

Shannon-Louise said: “One of our neighbours actually posted on social media that two garages had been broken into.

“When my husband and I got home from being out we checked our garage and noticed my husband’s DeWalt tools had been stolen.

“We called the police and a forensics team came to take fingers prints - our neighbour’s garage was broken into as well and tools were stolen.

“The only information we have been given so far is there was an unusual white van seen at the garages on Friday but the police did pick up two finger prints.”

Shannon-Louise, who is hoping footage potentially captured on a Ring doorbell will show the brazen crook in the act, has now blasted the raider.

“My husband is a medical technician in the Army but does mechanic work on his and our family’s cars,” added Shannon-Louise.

“So, the theft has now impacted the fact he can’t repair his car or his brother’s until we buy new tools – but the cost of everything stolen is £800.

“We’ve both worked really hard to earn everything we have and for someone to just steal things is disgusting.”

Essex Police are now asking anyone who saw anything or has dash cam or doorbell footage to contact them on 101 quoting crime reference 42/76900/22.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.