A couple say their business may fold if essential tools stolen by thieves are not returned.

Sandie and Alan Thompson of Meadow View Park, Little Clacton, have run their business, Alan Thompson Property, together for four years.

Mrs Thompson runs the business and her husband carries out all the painting and decorating, kitchen fitting or carpentry work they provide.

Shattering - Sandie and Alan Thompson, of Meadow View Park, Little Clacton, have had their van and tools stolen. Picture: STEVE BRADING

But thieves put their livelihood at risk when they stole their van - complete with tools inside.

Mrs Thompson said: "My husband finished work very late and we had gone to Safeway."

The couple bought some shopping for their son as well and dropped them off at his home, which is also in Meadow View Park.

She said: "We parked outside his and went in there for just over an hour and when we came out, the van had gone."

She said inside the blue Astra van, G47 UJN, was a number of tools, including assorted paint brushes, scrapers, paint, tool belt with hand tools, masonry drill bits and tool box containing electrical test equipment.

A photo album showing the couple's work, a pair of glasses, cassette radio and first aid kit were also stolen.

Mrs Thompson said: "It's shattering. I had to go out and buy materials again just for my husband to be able to finish a job off."

The total value of goods stolen is £899.

The van had the name of the business written in white writing and had a blacked out back window. It was stolen some time between 7.50pm and 9.30pm on Thursday

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clacton police on 01255 221312

Published Monday, April 7 , 2003

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