Pulborough firm losing business after trailer theft

A couple are offering a £300 reward for the return of their trailer, which was stolen from a house in Wisborough Green last week.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Oct 2014, 17:47 BST
Stolen Trailer. Sarah and John Woodley, who had their trailer stolen, which they have recently acquired for their new business, Woodpeckers House & Garden Maintenance. Picture Liz Pearce. LP240914ST03 SUS-140924-125915008Stolen Trailer. Sarah and John Woodley, who had their trailer stolen, which they have recently acquired for their new business, Woodpeckers House & Garden Maintenance. Picture Liz Pearce. LP240914ST03 SUS-140924-125915008
Stolen Trailer. Sarah and John Woodley, who had their trailer stolen, which they have recently acquired for their new business, Woodpeckers House & Garden Maintenance. Picture Liz Pearce. LP240914ST03 SUS-140924-125915008

John and Sarah Woodley set up Woodpeckers House and Garden Maintenance 18 months ago building on John’s 20 years of experience in the building trade. They have since built up a loyal customer base.

Last week the couple, of Mill Lane, Ashington, returned from holiday to find their trailer had been stolen. They are now losing trade as a result.

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They had left it behind a locked gate at a house in Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, where John was in the middle of a job.

John said: “I didn’t bring the trailer home because it was secure.”

Following the theft he has had to cancel jobs.

He said: “It means a lot. I cannot operate without my trailer. It has to be used on a daily basis to carry my ladder.

“It was one that has sides, so it was useful for my garden maintenance business. I invested in this trailer a long time ago.

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“I don’t understand why someone would take it. I should think we have lost £2,000 worth of work this week.

“It’s a great loss and severely affects our business. We are considering buying another one. It’s £1,000 to replace.”

Sarah added: “I’ve had four calls this morning and we can’t do this week or next week.

“It’s a horrible feeling because when they do this, they don’t realise the impact it has on the firm and the business.”

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The trailer is an Ifor Williams model with sides and a drop-down ramp at the back.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “We were contacted at 11.45am on Tuesday (September 23) about a report of the theft of an eight-foot-long grey trailer from Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green.

“The trailer, which was empty, is believed to have been taken between 11am on September 15 and 8.30am on September 16.

“Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] quoting serial 520 of 23/09, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

To claim the couple’s £300 reward call them on 07796 357935.