A County Durham business owner has admitted he is "heartbroken" after thieves broke into his business and stole tools worth an estimated £12,000.

Michael Cummings, 34, has been operating Campa-Van on Park View Industrial Estate in Hartlepool alongside his partner for the last two years but has now been left in debt and without equipment following a burglary by vandals on a bike.

The van converter, who is from Durham, went to open his doors on Monday (October 21) but was devastated to find that his business was ransacked and thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen.

Campa-Van, Hartlepool.Campa-Van, Hartlepool. (Image: CAMPA-VAN) Michael told The Northern Echo: "They got in through the front door and gained access - they broke in to our toolboxes and office.

"Overall they caused about £6,000 worth of damage and stole £12,000 worth of tools and parts."

Michael added he was first made aware of the break-in when he was getting his children ready for school - leading him to rush down to the site in the early morning.

Michael added: "When I saw what had happened I was absolutely speechless and heartbroken. It's just total devastation really.

The damaged door to Campa-Van.The damaged door to Campa-Van. (Image: CAMPA-VAN) Michael Cummings working at Camper-Van.Michael Cummings working at Camper-Van. (Image: CAMPA-VAN) "It's taken me 15 years to build up this collection of tools to do this job."

Immediately following the incident, a fundraiser has been set up to replace Michael's tools and go towards a loan worth at least £3,000 Michael has had to take out for new kit to keep his business afloat.

He added: "We have had people that have helped us out and loaned us kit just so we can carry on doing our jobs for people who have paid deposits.

"Tools are really expensive to replace - it's a killer really. I am endlessly thankful to everyone who has donated to us so far."

Emptied toolbox at Campa-Van.Emptied toolbox at Campa-Van. (Image: CAMPA-VAN) The police have confirmed that stolen items include power tools and more as they ask the public for more information.

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A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "At 6.45am on Monday 21 October police received a report of a break-in at a unit on Parkview Road West, Prospect Way in Hartlepool.

"Further information found that two men on a bike had stolen power tools and electronic device from inside.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 201624."

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