West Norfolk businessman described as ‘one of life’s good guys’ suffers van theft fury
Just months after replacing an apprentice’s stolen tools, a West Winch businessman has said he is “gutted” after his van was taken while on a job.
Christian Creed, of CRC Electrical and Building Services, who supported teenager Will Field in October, said he was working in Essex on Friday when his Ford Transit Custom van, including tools, equipment and cash, was stolen.
A GoFundMe appeal has been launched over the weekend to help support Mr Creed, describing him as “one of life’s good guys”.
Mr Creed, who set up his business about three years ago, said: “It’s bad enough stealing the van, but when it’s your livelihood and how you earn your living, it’s even worse.
“It’s not just the van, it’s the knock-on effect afterwards. That’s the bit they don’t think about.”
He and an apprentice had not long been working at a property in Billericay on Friday, and had been unloading equipment from the van, when they discovered the vehicle had been taken.
Although the majority of the tools had been taken off the van before this happened, which Mr Creed described as a “silver lining”, some of his equipment and around £300 in cash were still inside.
The theft has been reported to the police, but there have not been any signs of locating the vehicle yet.
Mr Creed added: “The chances are, as it’s a lease vehicle, that I’ve got to pay back the whole amount myself.”
This figure, for the 2018-plate Ford Transit Custom van, works out to about £30,000.
He said, due to the circumstances, he is also not sure his insurance policy will cover this incident.
In spite of this difficulty, the business is continuing to take bookings and quotations.
“I have no vehicle at the moment, but I should be able to sort something out in the next couple of days to get back on the road,” Mr Creed added.
“We’re carrying on as best we can really. It’s really early stages, but I need to feed my family.”
Family friend Joanne Price, who set up the GoFundMe appeal, said: “Please help me keep Christian and his family afloat whilst this mess is sorted out – just a couple of pounds from a few kind people will help him replace tools, pay essential bills, keep his cousin Liam in a job, and
get the business up and running again.”
Mr Creed added: “I’m a proud guy, it’s difficult to be in a business and have this happen.
“It’s a hard thing to swallow, but it’s really lovely that Joanne has set up the GoFundMe appeal as well.”
The GoFundMe link can be found at www.gofundme.com/help-save-christian-creed039s-business.
