Appeal for witnesses of tool theft after police 'refuse to investigate'

The van was damaged during the theft

The Managing Director of a catering equipment company in Oldham is asking for help after hundreds of pounds worth of tools were stolen from a van parked on a supermarket car park.

Linda Lewis, of Linda Lewis Kitchens on Honeywell Lane, says the van was parked at Tesco on Featherstall Road whilst their engineer picked up his lunch.

"He went in the store for only a few minutes and came out to find the top door of his van had been ripped off removing the glass, and all his tools have been stolen.

"This was in broad daylight and there were lots of cars in the carpark. It would have taken a few minutes to carry out this damage and destruction and it would have made a noise for sure."

Linda is now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the theft to contact her.

"Tesco do not have CCTV on areas of the carpark and cannot help.

"The police will not look into it for us as there is no camera footage or forensic evidence.

"We are a small family company that have struggled to keep our staff during the pandemic. This incident has cost us a lot of money and our van is off the road whilst it is being repaired."

Linda told the Chronicle there have been a number of thefts on the site in a short space of time.

"Safety is paramount. You should be able to go and do your shopping and feel safe."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, which took place on Monday 5 December at 10.50am, can contact the company on 0161 388 0321 or by email on kitchens@linda-lewis.co.uk

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