'It's soul destroying': CCTV footage captures moment work van stolen from Fleetwood tradesmen

The incident occurred on Beach Road, near the junction with West Gate, at around 10.20pm on Sunday, February 7.

CCTV footage of the theft shows four men, who had allegedly been dropped off at the scene in a silver BMW, examining the van.

The offenders then allegedly used a 'relay device' to open the doors of the Ford Transit before quickly driving off, stealing the vehicle "in less than 14 seconds".

Paul Gregory, 39, who has been running Smooth Finish Plastering alongside Martin Vanbogerijen for 20 years, explained the van was like their office, containing all of their tools and diaries.

He said: "It's soul destroying. People don't realise it takes up to 12 months to work a trowel in to get it how you want it to work. It's not a case of picking one off the shelf and using it.

"We've had them trowels with us for 15 years, and yeah it might sound petty but that's what earns you your keep.

"We're both self-employed and that van was our office. It was our livelihood."

They are now appealing to anyone with any information or CCTV footage to come forward to help catch the thieves.

"They tried the van a couple of weeks ago on the same street and a car over the road got broken into that time," he added.

"It's frustrating because you go out and do your bit and then this happens."

To help Paul and Martin get their business up and running again, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help them buy some new tools.

More than £1,300 has been raised so far at the time of writing this, with over 50 people making donations.

Sean Slater, the organiser of the fundraiser, said: "I'd like to raise a few quid to help them get some tools and back on their feet.

"Paul and Martin are well known in the community and have helped a lot of people out over the years.

"If the van and all the tools are returned ,which I hope they are, all money raised will go to Brian House."

If you would like to make a donation to help Paul and Martin, you can visit the fundraising page here.

Anyone with any information about the incident can contact police on 101 or report it online by clicking HERE.

Lancashire Police has been approached for comment.

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