A cleaning firm owner in Bristol is devastated after his van containing £15,000 worth of equipment was stolen.
The theft happened Monday night outside his Bristol home. His van was very distinct, and all his cleaning equipment remained inside.
Insurance won’t cover the full cost, prompting his family to start a fundraiser. Friends donated thousands quickly, helping him restart his business after the setback.
Scott studied at UWE and trained to become a teacher. He worked part-time in college cleaning cars and working in a kitchen, saving up to start his business which began just four months ago.
Scott expressed devastation over the theft. He worked very hard to save money and needed the van and equipment to clean carpets effectively. Now, he feels like he has lost everything.
Teaching is a tough career currently with rising rent and inflation. Scott believed building his own business was the best path, hoping to contribute to the economy.
He suspects thieves watched his van, noting lock problems beforehand. They struck Monday evening very fast between 10:55 and 11:30 PM, avoiding nearby cameras.
The stolen van is a Ford Transit with license plate BG66 EPV. It contained cleaning equipment including hoses, an agitator, and another undisclosed machine.
Scott wanted to install safety features but could not afford them yet. He said that tradesmen shouldn’t fear robbery, but this incident can make him lose faith.
Police were notified Tuesday morning, but there have been no updates yet. The van contains cleaning chemicals, and the petrol-powered machine poses risks, creating a bio-hazard concern.
Scott offers £1,000 for information leading to the recovery of his van. In addition, his sister started a GoFundMe page, and has already received over £2,000 in donations.
His sister emphasized that this business is his livelihood. Scott worked hard to launch it, and years of savings vanished when thieves stole everything at once.
The business was growing fast within months. He is understandably sad at this unfortunate circumstance which will prevent him from meeting growing demand. He hopes to restart the business despite insurance loopholes.