A WEST Devon building firm with a difference suffered a setback recently when tools and equipment valued at around £4,000 were stolen in a break-in at their building site.
Brothers Tom and Sam Diffey from Throwleigh set up Character Builders six months ago with friend John Lawrence, also from Throwleigh.
The small business specialises in restoration work on period properties and has just completed its first major contract working on an old sawmill at Drewsteignton.
The theft is believed to have occurred some time on the evening of Friday, October 8, when offenders used bolt croppers to gain entry to the premises, situated between Chagford and Drewsteignton, and stole several items of Makita tools and equipment.
Among the equipment stolen were chop saws, a skill saw, jigsaw, a handdrill, stone grinding tools, two routers and a generator.
Tom said the robbery had dealt a ?severe blow? to the company, but fortunately the young partnership still had enough equipment left to carry on.
?We have not only felt the loss in terms of equipment but also feel shocked at the robbery happening in our own local area, having grown up in Throwleigh and Drewsteignton,? he added.
Tom said the incident should serve as a warning to other builders: police do advise people to imprint a security code number into tools, to help them to be traced in the event of theft.
He said the three friends had got together to set up their own firm, but had always been keen to push themselves by specialising in heritage restoration projects.
?We all lived in old houses and there is more to learn from old buildings. It is a lot more interesting.?
Tom said another key motivation for the firm was to try ?a new approach? which was more environmentally-friendly using renewable sources as much as possible and integrating modern and traditional building methods.
The firm covers most aspects of general building work, including working with cob and lime, as well as working alongside specialist craftsmen where required.
Anyone with any information about the incident or who believes they may have seen the stolen tools is asked to contact PC Steer of Okehampton Police on 08452 777444.