Why are vandals targeting my firm?

An independent Holbeach business owner has been left distraught after thugs targeted her premises for a fourth time in three weeks.

Gallery Tiles and Bathrooms on Welbourne Lane East had its windows smashed once again between 5pm on Wednesday, February 7 and 9am on Thursday, February 8.

Owner Lesley Barnard had put shutters over the front windows after they were found broken by large stones on three occasions on January 13 and 31 and February 2.

Having hope that would be the end of the trouble, last Thursday she came to work to find the back windows had been smashed this time seemingly using similar methods.

Lesley also believes that in this latest incident someone had entered the building through one window which had been completely smashed.

She believes items have been moved around but thankfully only the things missing are some washing up liquid and a pvc chopping board.

Businesses nearby have not been hit.

An emotional Lesley, said: “I feel terrible. I’m wondering why, all of a sudden, I’m being targeted.

“I keep wondering if I’ve upset anybody.

“It’s mindless. There’s no need or reason for it.

“They’re only windows at the end of the day, but I feel so vulnerable.

“It’s horrible coming into work every morning and wondering what’s next.

“I felt the day we put the shutters up the people would be like “we’ll show her” and come up with something else and they’ve smashed the back windows from the A17 side and seemingly been in the property.”

Lesley spent nearly £400 on the shutters and has had to replace a number of windows in the last few weeks.

She’s now considering whether to put more shutters up or install CCTV.

“This last month has been really hard for me,” she said. “I should be able to come in and work for my business, but instead I’m having to come in and clean glass up.

“I had to say I’d give a customer a ring back earlier as I just broke down in tears when speaking to him.

“It’s costing my business and I’m going to have to find more money for either more shutters or CCTV.

“The rocks that are causing the damage are so big and causing damage to the inside as well as the outside. They must be using something to propel them.”

Lesley was also disappointed Lincolnshire Police had not been out to any of the reported incidents until last Thursday afternoon.

Insp Gareth Boxall, from Spalding, said: “It’s a real concern this shop has been targeted again.

“We will investigate all incidents of damage or burglary.

“An officer has visited this afternoon to pursue further enquiries.

“Someone will know who has targeted the store and caused damage and I would appeal for anyone who has information to call and let us know.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555111.