OWNERS of a small power tool shop have spoken of their devastation after nearly £6,000 worth of equipment was stolen in an overnight raid.

Absolute Power Tools, in Bowerhill, was broken into in the early hours of last Wednesday and a number of drill kits and disc cutters were stolen.

The shop is run by husband and wife Tracey and Philip Curtis, who were set to go on holiday to Devon with their three children on Thursday morning but had to cancel it to start work on repairing the shop roof instead.

Mrs Curtis said: “It was a mixture of shock and disbelief when we discovered what had happened.

“We work exceptionally hard, so for people to just come into the shop, trample through our stock and take what they want without caring about anything other than their own personal gain is really gutting.

“For a small business such as ours, it will have a huge impact. It’s not just the cost of the tools, it’s other things like the cost of repairing the roof, and also the emotional side of it.

“The shop is practically our second home, so to know that people have been in it when weren’t there is very unsettling. I haven’t been able to sleep all week.

“It could have been a lot worse and nobody got injured, so we’re thankful for that, but it’s still a massive shock and a financial loss. Having to put our family holiday on hold is also a big shame.”

A 22-year-old man from Melksham and a 17-year-old man from Salisbury were arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with the incident and have since been released on bail, pending further enquiries.

Local crime investigator Amy Evans said: “A number of tools remain outstanding and there is a possibility that they may be sold on locally.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who may have information on the tools. If so, please get in touch.”

The stolen tools include an orange Stihl TS400 disc cutter, a Makita DLX6012PM drill kit in a black and green box and a Makita trimmer in a black and green canvas bag. The shop has increased its security after the raid.

Anyone with information should call police on 101. or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.