Crooks inflict fatal blow on fledgling business

Nov 24 2009 By Tammy Hughes

A BUSINESS lays in tatters after equipment was stolen from the owners just hours after they held a fundraiser for Children in Need.

Fabian Fry and Jamie Matthews, who run a car valeting businesses, raised £157 through a charity car wash at the Victoria Pub car park, before deteriorating weather forced them to go home.

But hours later on Sunday evening equipment was stolen from a garage in the car park of the pub that contained an industrial hoover and an industrial steam cleaner worth £2,000.

Father-of-one Mr Fry, 30, from Monument Hill Weybridge, said: “The business has been running for less than a week, so we haven't sorted out any insurance. I'm just hoping we can find these people and get the equipment back.

“I'm absolutely gutted, we did a good deed and I thought karma was on our side. I might have to go and sign on if I can't replace everything, without that equipment we can't do anything. We only started last Thursday and it's the end of the business already.”

A Surrey Police spokesman said: “Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses and information following this incident which took place between midday on Sunday and 8.10am on Monday.

“The offenders gained access to the garage by using cutting equipment to remove a padlock before taking an equipment. Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) attended the scene to carry out a forensic examination.”

Mr Matthews, 32, from Addlestone, has run Row Town Valeting for two years. Mr Fry has recently joined him in an attempt to expand the business to incorporate revenue from street traffic as well as private traders.

The new drive-by car washing service operating from the Victoria Pub car park was launched on Thursday.

Anyone with any information about the theft should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference RM/09/7514, or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

If you have an industrial steam cleaner or an industrial hoover that could be loaned to Mr Matthews and Mr Fry please call: 07813528403.