A FAMILY man grieving the sudden loss of his father has been left devastated after a safe with more than £20,000 was ripped out overnight from the business they built together.

Stephen Robinson’s factory in Newton Aycliffe was broken into in the early hours by thieves who smashed their way in using a large rock before wrecking internal doors and dragging a heavy safe containing thousands of pounds out of the premises.

The businessman, whose father and co-director of T and S Bespoke Kitchens died less than a month ago, is now counting the cost and is desperately appealing for help to catch the culprits.

“I’m gobsmacked by everything that has gone on and I can’t put into words how I’m feeling,” said Mr Robinson, of Willington. “Everything is going over and over in my head all the time - what has happened and who I think it is.

“I’m devastated and shocked. The day to day running of the of the business has been affected because there was a lot of paperwork - cheque books and bank details - in there.

“We have had to start everything from scratch.”

Due to the death of the 41-year-old’s father Tony Robinson on September 28, bank details have had to be changed and cash had been kept in the safe in order to pay staff wages this month.

With insurance for only £3,000 in the safe, stored inside a cupboard at the Aycliffe Industrial Park base, the business is set to lost £17,000 plus up to about £10,000 to cover the cost of a new safe, damage caused and the installation of a new alarm system and CCTV.

“It’s the busiest time of year - ahead of Christmas - so it’s just getting round everything that will be difficult,” added Mr Robinson, who is father to a son and step-daughter.

The burglary took place in the early hours of Wednesday and within hours a farmer in the Heightington area, less than two miles away, discovered the safe, burnt out and empty.

A bank card and van key have also since been recovered.

Mr Robinson and Newton Aycliffe Police are appealing to anyone with information or who was travelling in the area of the Aycliffe Industrial Park and Heighington between midnight and 6am to contact 101 or email Michael.welch@durham.pnn.police.uk

Pc Welch said: “Obviously this has been a very distressing incident for the staff at the premises.

“I am particularly keen to trace any vehicles which may have dash cams.

“Incidents of this nature are very rare and patrols have been stepped up on the industrial estate to reassure the business community within Newton Aycliffe.”