Burglars leave cruel graffiti message for Fleetwood pensioner after stealing his power tools

Heartless burglars left this message for a Fleetwood dad after breaking into his shed and stealing his power tools on Sunday (May 3)

The thieves targeted the 68-year-old's shed in Oxford Road in the early hours of Sunday morning (May 3) and stole power tools worth around £500.

But the thieves then added insult to injury by spray painting a message on his fence and back gate.

"Thanks Pal. Ha!," read the message in green paint, accompanied by a 'sad face'.

This Hawk TIG welding set, worth 300, was also among the power tools stolen from the home in Oxford Road, Fleetwood on Sunday (May 3)

"My dad was obviously incredibly upset by the break in, but it was the message left on the fence that took it to a whole new level," said his daughter Helen.

"It was thanks to his amazing neighbours and people of Fleetwood that have helped him through it. We've had countless messages of support.

"It really has been so reassuring to know that the true, kind hearted and incredibly generous people of Fleetwood greatly outnumber the idiotic, knuckle-draggers that seem hell bent on trying their level best to drag down this town to their level.

"My dad has now painted over the fence as we were concerned that it might be a mark for them to return.

This Clark Arc Welding Set, worth more than 170, was stolen from a home in Oxford Road overnight on Sunday (May 3)

"He was offered so many tins of paint and offers to paint it for him, it was amazing.

"But it's upsetting to see a strong man like my dad, who has worked hard all his life, be left feeling insulted and intimidated by some lowlifes."

Among the stolen tools was a Makita angle grinder, a Hawk welding set and a Clark arc welding set (see pictures).

On the same night, a number of other houses were reportedly targeted, including the home of local DJ Matty Mecklenburgh.

Matty has been entertaining his neighbours with 'socially distanced' street discos during lockdown, but his DJ equipment has been stolen from his garage.

Lancashire Police said they are investigating a number of reports of burglaries in the area and 'enquiries are ongoing'.

The message left for the pensioner appears to match a spate of anti-social graffiti sprayed on public and private property around the town in recent weeks.

The same green markings can be found on homes, vans, businesses and bus stops. Some of the graffiti has been 'tagged' with the words 'FY7 Boyz'.

Lancashire Police have been approached for further comment.