Shop owner hits out at metal thieves

Buy photos » Wayside Farm Shop owner Elspeth Robertson was left fuming when metal thieves targeted her van. Picture by Neville Collins 52012017nce1

A FARM shop owner has hit out at the 'mindless' metal thieves who targeted her van and caused pre-Christmas misery.

Elspeth Robertson, who runs Wayside Farm Shop and Tearoom in Wickhamford near Broadway, was left fuming after the thieves stole the catalytic converter from the shop van between 2pm on Friday (December 14) and 10am on Sunday (December 16).

The exhaust parts are attractive to thieves as they contain tiny amounts of precious and valuable metals.

Because of the theft, Ms Robertson has not been able to move or use the van this week - which is normally a very busy time for her and the other farm shop staff as they get ready for Christmas.

Ms Robertson told the Observer she will have to pay hundreds of pounds to get the converter replaced - an expense she could do without.

"For this mindless vandalism to have happened just before Christmas has been a massive inconvenience to us," she said. "Why anyone would do this is quite beyond me - what is the point of it all?

"When you speak to other people in the area they say its happened to them as well. The whole thing makes me cross and something needs to be done to stop this from happening."

A West Mercia Police spokesman added: "If anyone saw any suspicious activity between Friday and Sunday or has any information please let us know as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact police on the non-emergency number 101.

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