A CHORLEY man nearly lost his business after his tools were stolen from the back of his Ford transit van.

Self-employed Mark Squires, who owns Mark Squires Builders and Landscapers, had to borrow tools to stay in business after thieves broke into the van, making off with £4,000 worth of equipment.

But Mr Squires, 36, said he didn't notice his tools were missing until he drove to a job in Eccleston.

He said: "I'm really upset that anyone could do this to anyone's business.

"I left my van locked up and now three power tools, a chainsaw, circular saws, a jig saw, power plainer and two boxes full of twenty years worth of tools have gone.

"I thought I was insured, but until I read the small print I realised that I was insured for everything except hand held tools.

"It's practically put me out of business. I have two small children and now, just to stay afloat, I've had to resort to borrowing a drill of my dad and other tools from friends."

Mr Squires phoned the police, who said they would investigate. But two hours later they rang saying they would not be coming that day, said Mr Squires.

He added that he was concerned that when the police did come the following day, any fingerprints might have been washed off by the rain.

A spokesman for the police said: "Mr Squires didn't report the incident until 5.25pm. Our scenes of crime officers do not work 24 hours a day.

"There are arrangements whereby a scenes of crime officer can be called out for a serious incident, such as a road accident or murder, but this did not constitute a serious incident.

"Our message to Chorley's residents is don't trust anyone with your valuables and please don't leave them in your vehicles.

Anyone with further information on the crime should contact Chorley police station on 269021.

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