Repeated break-ins put firm’s future in jeopardy

Turner Hire and Sales lost expensive equipment including power tools and chainsaws - a month after the last incident at Thames Street and the third time since March.

The firm’s Sheffield and Worksop premises have also been hit by burglaries in the past year and frustrated owner John Turner said: “Ultimately, we are facing a possibility that they could shut us down.

“On Friday (December 11), it happened again. They were in and out in two minutes and 50 seconds, even though we had upgraded security to a higher quality since last time.

“It was early evening, so there were cars in the car park because the dance group in the same building was there too. 

“The alarm went off but they just came in, did what they did and went. They do what they like.

“People talk about claiming off insurance after something like this but if you put in twice in a few weeks, there’s no insurance company that will cover you.”

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “At 6.13pm on Friday, officers were alerted to an alarm activation at a business premises in Thames Street.

“It’s reported that someone had broken in and taken numerous items worth up to £5,000.

“Officers are now reviewing nearby CCTV footage in a bid to track down those responsible. Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 742 of December 11.”