A BUSINESSMAN says he is desperate to warn other people to be on the lookout after he and two neighbours had their tools stolen in a spate of thefts.

Tony Cheeld, who has run commercial maintenance company Lexpol UK Ltd for 25 years, discovered Makita tools were missing from his van on Tuesday morning having not looked inside since the previous Friday night.

After calculating what has been taken Mr Cheeld has estimated more than £1,000 worth of equipment was taken, not including various attachments.

After reporting it to the police, Mr Cheeld was informed two of his neighbours who live in Ensleigh Court, Colchester, also had tools stolen on Saturday night.

He has also been told of three other thefts in other parts of town.

Mr Cheeld said he was determined to find out who had taken the equipment from him and his neighbours.

He said: “I went to get the drill driver box but it wasn’t there - it is always hidden.

“All the others tools were gone.

“The van had only been parked on our drive at home, so I phoned the police to report it and I was told there had been two others in the same street.

“It is just so appalling - you cannot go out and work.

“I just want to warn every working man or woman who has got tools in their van.

“There are people around who are willing to rob us of our work.

“It is not the tools which are the problem.

“It is the fact you cannot go out and earn - it is your livelihood.”

Mr Cheeld, 70, said he was stunned to be told by police crooks now had devices which meant they could bypass locking systems.

He said: “Every night I ask my wife if she has locked her car, and if she hasn’t I go out there and check.

“Then the last thing I do before I go to sleep is look out the front window, hold up the key fob and check it is locked when the orange lights come on.

“But the officer told me they can get into cars now without even breaking in.

“I’m determined to help catch these people or at the very least warn other people what is going on.”

Anyone with information can contact Colchester police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.