'I hope they find a conscience': Tradesman speaks out over DIY SOS theft
“I hope they find a conscience and realise what they have done was wrong – least of all to steal off us while we were working on such a inspirational project.”
Those were the words of landscaper Brett Bradford who had £4,000 worth of tools stolen by crooks while carrying out work for DIY SOS.
Grinders, saws, drills and screws were among the expensive equipment that was taken from the back of Mr Bradford’s van on Wednesday morning.
He had parked just around the corner from the project build house on Livingstone Road, in West Bromwich, along with others who were part of the crew.
WATCH: 'What they've done is absolutely amazing'
He said: “I returned to my van at about 11am and couldn’t believe it.
“We were on such a high from everything going on and the incredible work that had taken place and then to have that happen felt like being hit by a sledge hammer.
“It’s frustrating and left us angry, but the atmosphere on this job has been incredible for such a worthy cause - so we won’t let it dampen our spirits.”
Mr Bradford, from Allscapes Design & Build Telford, had landscaped and paved the driveway of the house for grieving mother Sandra and her family who had lost daughter Crystal Chambers in 2015.
He also paved their next door neighbours driveway as a kind gesture as part of the show.
But after the news broke that tools had been stolen as part of the build, local tradesman were quick to come forward to show their support.
Kind-hearted businessman Satnam Singh Sagoo, from BSJ Fixings in Wednesbury, came forward to replace some of the lost tools.
He explained: “When I heard what had happened I knew we had to get involved and help anyway we could.
“It’s just a way of giving back as it is terrible for tradesmen to be hit when doing a job like this.”
Presenter Nick Knowles was also quick to speak of his disgust at the theft, taking to Twitter about the incident.
He said: “Really disappointed, had two volunteer builders’ vans broken into.”
