Smee Timber offers £1,000 reward to catch thieves (From Winsford Guardian)

Smee Timber offers £1,000 reward to catch thieves

8:40am Thursday 9th July 2009

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A WINSFORD timber yard plagued by burglaries is offering a £1,000 reward in a bid to safeguard jobs.

Insurers are threatening to double the premium of Smee Timber Ltd, in Smokehall Lane, after thieves made off with £30,000 worth of wood last Sunday.

It was the fifth time the company has been targeted in two years, and founder and managing director Michael Smee, said the increase will put the jobs of its 90 staff at risk.

And the yard is burgled once more, the company could be deemed uninsurable, ultimately leading to its closure and the loss of all jobs.

Mr Smee said: “We think it’s the same people that have done each one. It’s someone who knows our place intimately. They have avoided the cameras; they have keys to the machinery.

“We will be putting leaflets around the site and flyers in everyone’s pay packet to try and coax someone into coming forward. These criminals are helping nobody but themselves.”

He added: “We have £5million worth of stock here, so the cost to us will be significant and something will have to give. If it gets to the point that we are uninsurable then that’s it, game over.”

The latest break-in saw thieves cut open the gates with a hacksaw before driving a lorry into the yard and using Smee’s own machinery to load it.

Cedar cladding, cedar shingles and two sets of oak flooring were stolen.

Insp Dave Snasdell of Winsford NPU appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

“It is affecting their livelihood. I am sure someone knows who is responsible and where the products have gone. Please get in touch and let us know what you know.”

Information can be left by calling Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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