A SELF-employed aerial specialist was left without vital equipment when thieves raided his van.

Shocked Edward Johnson, 47, who has been running his business, Quick Fit Aerials, for more than 10 years, is now hoping somebody will spot his missing tools.

"I panicked when I saw the van had been emptied. My heart sank. They even took my ladders off the roof," he explained.

"It hasn't put me out of business but it's caused a lot of added expense and inconvenience. I'm not holding out much hope, but it would be great if I could get something back. "

The thieves struck overnight on Monday, when the R registered Fiat van was parked outside his home in Starkie Street, Darwen. Items taken include a full grey tool box, two Black and Decker drills, a satellite finder, a small power generator, to walkie-talkies and a yellow power reducer. Most of them are stamped with the name Quick Fit Aerials.

Anybody with information should contact Darwen Police on 01254 701777.

The incident is among a spate of car crimes in Darwen in the past week which have involved the theft of tools. A black plastic tool box, fuel, and model aircraft equipment, were taken from a van in Entwistle Street between Sunday and Tuesday. Also, a yellow McColloch petrol grass strimmer and edge cutter were stolen from a white Ford Escort van in Durham Road.

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