Intruders broke gas pipes and left taps running

Aug 20 2008 By Vicki Eltis

Kumar Sivakumaran

Yobs have wreaked havoc in a flat above a Walton newsagent's shop by leaving taps running and breaking gas pipes.

Intruders broke into Walton News in St Johns Drive at 10.30pm on Tuesday August 19 while the owner, Kumar Sivakumaran, was at his family home in Hayes.

They broke gas and water pipes, causing the lights to stop working, ruining stock in the shop, and leaving the carpet sodden.

Earlier this year Kumar, 44, a father-of-two, said he is often subjected to foul language and racial abuse from youths who gather outside.

He said: "They play with my life. This is my living. It's so frustrating. The shop is a mess, my customers are upset. This is a serious thing and people must know who did this but they won't say anything."

Surrey Police said the break in occurred between 10.15pm and 10.25pm on August 19 and they want to speak to a white man who was seen in the area around the time of the offence.

He is between 17 and 20, around 6ft 1ins, with short dark hair, wearing a white t-shirt, jeans and white trainers.

A police spokesman said: "This thoughtless act will have a direct financial impact on the business below the flat and this cannot, and will not, be tolerated."

The flat will be made secure over the coming days and the South Walton Safer Neighbourhood Team were made aware of the incident and will be speaking to the owner of the property and carrying out local enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference EL/08/4139.