Raiders knock down a wall to steal tyres

Thieves have smashed their way through a brick wall at a Black Country tyre centre in the latest in a string of raids that are crippling businesses in the area.

It is believed a gang used sledge hammers to knock down part of the exterior wall at Addison Tyre Centre in Tipton before smashing the alarm system and targeting the most expensive tyres in the factory.

They only escaped with two tyres before making their escape from police. But owner Jason Addison says the constant threat of break-ins is costing him thousands and he is now putting up a £1,000 reward for help that leads to the conviction of the culprits.

The raid, which happened on Wednesday night, is the latest in a series of attacks on similar premises around the town.

Eddie Duffield, owner of Fast Eddie's tyre centre just around the corner in Bloomfield Road, Tipton, has been targeted three times in the past three months, on one occasion by ram raiders who drove a lorry through his metal roller shutters.

Other thefts have been reported at HiQ Tyres in Princes End High Street and at the Kwik Fit garage in Bilston.

Mr Addison, 38, said: "This is awful, it's a really big problem. It must be a local gang and someone must know who they are. They know what they are doing, they are going for the most expensive tyres."

He added: "They knocked a huge hole in the wall and set the alarms off which are linked directly to the police station. Business is hard enough as it is at the moment, this is making it near impossible to stay afloat."

At Fast Eddie's Mr Duffield, 30, has bought a rotweiller dog to guard the premises after a series of break-ins.

Detective Chief Inspector Karl Fellows urged people to get in touch on 0845 113 5000 with information.