Ram-raiders smash into garage to steal haul of valuable tools

RAIDERS made off with thousands of pounds of tools after using a van to reverse their way through the shutters of a garage in Winkton on Monday night.

The police were called to Winkton Auto Centre shortly before midnight after owner Shaun Critchley received a notification from his security system that the alarm had been triggered.

Residents neighbouring the vehicle service and MOT garage, near Burton, also informed the police after hearing the commotion which was followed by loud shouting coming from the suspects.

The shop’s CCTV cameras captured footage of four people entering the premises dressed in hooded jumpers and tracksuit-like clothing with trainers.

A tool chest containing equipment with a combined value of over £10,000 was taken as well as a selection of small hand tools that were left in the workshop.

The vehicle used in the ram-raid is believed to be a white Peugeot Boxer van.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said on Tuesday that an investigation was underway and no arrests had yet been made.

Anyone with any information should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 55190091667.