A builder has been left struggling to work after thieves ransacked his van and stole the irreplaceable tools he has had for more than 30 years.
Mark Sollars, who works for himself, had parked his van outside Total Fitness in Chester for an hour and a half on Monday night while he used the gym as part of his usual routine.
Although he noticed nothing untoward at first, a couple of hours later when he tried to open the passenger door to give his girlfriend a lift home, he realised the door was stuck and had been tampered with.
On closer inspection, Mark discovered that although items such as his chequebook and sat-nav system were still there, the back of the van had been emptied, with the box containing all his vital tools,which he had hand-made himself, missing.
Also taken were a new electric saw, a cordless electric drill and a drill box.
But Mark, from Mickle Trafford, said he is less concerned about these items, which can be easily replaced, and is just desperate to locate his tool box, which he says has ‘huge sentimental value’ to him.
“I’ve got nothing left – it is a total inconvenience,” he said.
“I need to find that tool box, I’ve had those tools for more than 30 years, they’re handmade and very specific. You can’t replace them anywhere.
“It annoys me more that they probably wouldn’t be any use to anyone except me and I just want them back.
“I wouldn’t have minded them just taking the electrical items, that doesn’t bother me.”
He added: “I’m struggling to work without my tools, luckily this week I’ve only needed to use a shovel for work and I’ve been able to get by by borrowing stuff but it’s not easy.
“Even when my insurance comes through it won’t cover the stuff I’ve lost.”
Mark’s toolbox is a 2ft black Stanley plastic box, 4 inches wide with an aluminium strip on top. If you find it, call Mark on 07979 915808.