COMPANY bosses are counting their losses after burglars raided three premises just six months after striking the same industrial estate.

One exasperated owner said she has decided to move her business elsewhere, following the raids on the Thornley Station Industrial Estate, Shotton Colliery, between Friday night and 7am on Saturday.

Durham Police said the first unit targeted saw a black Citroen Berlingo van along with various tools and a bench stolen. The suspects forced entry into the building causing a large amount of damage.

At the second unit, large quantities of clothing were taken including school uniforms belonging to various local schools and academies, Peterlee Ladies Running Club and Wingate Striders trainers and hoodies, as well as a number of Hi-Tec and Grafters shoes.

The last unit to be broken into lost more than £500 worth of copper and a Hitachi DV20VB2 impact drill.

The owner of the second store raided, who did not wish to be named, said thousands of pounds worth of stock had been taken.

She said: “I have tendered my notice and said I cannot say here.

“This is the second time in six months this trading estate has been hit. Although my unit wasn’t burgled last time, I think its just the fact they they know what is here. I daren’t buy any more stock and keep it here. ”

She added: “As far as we can piece together the burglars they broke into the fabrication firm and used their tools.

“They have cut my padlocks and iron gate and bashed into through the door.

“They disabled my burglar alarm and smashed it to smithereens and cut electric off so alarm wouldn’t work.”

EJM Engineering service manager Colin Mann said: “The burglars prised off the roller shutter door completely and have taken metal skin of inner door to get into my premises.

“They took a small amount of copper piping - and some tools. “It is the inconvenience they have caused too, having to make the place secure again and all the other costs involved.

PC Craig Lambton, from Durham Constabulary, said: “A number of businesses have been targeted and various items have been stolen that are so valuable to the companies. I would urge anyone with any information or anyone who knows of the whereabouts of the property to come forward.”

  • Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101, quoting incident number 133,191 and 95 of October 14 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.