COMPANIES on an industrial estate say they are in danger of collapsing because they are being targeted by criminals.

Burglars and vandals have wreaked havoc at Lawson Industrial Estate, in Middlesbrough, leaving some companies facing bankruptcy if they are targeted again.

The situation has become so bad that one manager takes his computers, fax machine and photocopier home with him.

Swale Scaffolding director Alan Shackleton is looking for new premises.

"I am sick of putting new alarm systems in because even they get pinched," he said.

"It is so bad here that we have to put mesh on the inside of windows as well as outside so it makes it more difficult for them to get in.

"I am totally fed up with all the problems so I am leaving and I think everyone else will sooner or later."

Brian Howes, of Bellfruits.com, has spent £20,000 buying secure containers, padlocks, steel shutters and having razor wire installed around his unit.

But he was still the victim of a burglary when electrical items worth about £9,000 were stolen two weeks ago.

He said: "Another break-in and I am finished. I would like to hand in my notice to leave, but the money I have spent on security means I can't afford to move."

Peter Marshall, of Project management company Electrotech, said his company would go under if it was targeted again.

The company has had vans, tools and ladders stolen and cannot get insurance unless it installs a security system it cannot afford.

Break-ins and vandalism are so common that some businesses have stopped reporting incidents because they feel the police cannot do anything about it.

But Cleveland Police are urging businesses on the estate to report all incidents to give them a clearer picture of what is happening.

Middlesbrough Council, which lets the units, is in talks with a security company, which it hopes to offer a reduced rent on premises in return for patrolling the estate.

A spokesman said: "We want the area to be a safer place for businesses and are in talks with a company.

"We are also looking at installing a mobile patrol unit on the estate."