A West Lothian father is left devastated after thieves stole his new work van and £30,000 worth of tools. Pete Fleming, who was in the process of establishing his business, Autofix Brothers, with his younger brother, faced a setback when their work van, containing all their tools, was stolen. The theft occurred on Loanfoot Road, Uphall, just before 4 am on Tuesday, October 15.
Earlier, on Monday, October 14, Pete had celebrated his 30th birthday and had recently welcomed his second child into the world. The stolen blue MK-6 Transit van is identifiable by the AutoFix Brothers logo on the front and gold trims on the tyres. Pete appeals to the public to contact the police with any information related to the incident.
Expressing his distress, Pete mentioned, “Our whole business is in the van. I’m not even bothered about the van but about £30,000 worth of tools were in it.” He highlighted the significant impact this theft has on their business’s ability to trade and the financial burden it has created. Pete emphasised the importance of the tools for their garage setup and the livelihoods of his family and customers.
The local Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed receiving a report of the van theft and stated that investigations are ongoing. Pete’s heartfelt plea for the return of the tools, essential for their business, reflects the emotional toll the incident has taken on him and his family. The community and authorities are urged to assist in resolving the theft and recovering the stolen tools to restore Autofix Brothers’ operations.
The theft not only affects Pete’s business but also has broader implications for his family and customers who rely on him. The support and cooperation of the public in providing any relevant information to the authorities are pivotal in aiding the resolution of this unfortunate incident.