Thief caught on video during raid on family business which caused £1k damage
A bungling thief broke into a family business and caused £1,000 worth of damage, sparking a police probe.
Police have launched an investigation after a thief was caught on camera breaking into Howells Patent Glazing in Cradley Heath.
A person could be seen climbing up a set of ladders to make off over a wall with a jet-washer in their hand.
The incident took place over the bank holiday, at 11.54am on Monday.
Tracey Jackson, who runs the firm alongside her family, says the thief caused around £1,000 of damage and stole two sat navs.
The firm has had to tighten security at the Woods Lane-based site in a bid to prevent further break-ins.
Tracey said: "We have become more vigilante and have put protective measures in place as a safeguard.
"It was really upsetting to see someone breaking into our business.
"We have been at the site since 2008 and it is the first time something like this has happened."
Staff members were alerted to the break-in the following morning after they found the washer hanging off the fence, which the thief had been unsuccessful in stealing.
The thief broke into two vans and stole two sat navs, damaging the doors and windows of the vehicles in the process.
"You feel violated that someone wants to come into your business and take things," said Tracey.
"Our jet-washer is broken, the doors to the vans are broken and the windows were smashed.
"We believe over £1,000 worth of damage was caused."
The business has operated for almost 50 years.
Police confirmed they were investigating the incident and were looking to retrieve the footage.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We are looking to collect the CCTV. A person from the business has phoned police and said they will burn the footage for police to collect.
"An unknown offender or offenders gained access to the yard. They smashed the window of two vehicles, stole a sat nav from each and made off."
Community leaders have condemned the actions of the thief which they branded a 'thoughtless and selfish act'.
Cradley Heath and Old Hill ward councillor Julie Webb said: "I condemn what has happened.
"Howells Glazing has been going for a number of years and provided much needed employment.
"Any crime against businesses which get people into employment is disgusting.
"Howells Glazing have got a real good reputation."
