Over £25,000 goods stolen

A Ballymoney businessman may have lost between £25,000 and £40,000 of specialist industrial clothing in a burglary at his premises during the weekend.

Thieves targeted Pro-Tec at the Dalton Business Park on the Ballymena Road sometime between Saturday afternoon and Monday morning.

Pro-Tec sell clothing at the upper end of the market for the factory and building sectors which includes well known brands such as Mascot, Regatta and Dickies. It is estimated that between 15,000 and 20,000 of Mascot stock alone has been taken.

The burglary was discovered after a locked gate had been forced open as well as doors into the premises.

Police are predicting that a van or large vehicle must have been required.

Pro-Tec owner, Mr. Robert Gordon, who has been in business for four years selling both to the trade and public, told the Times he did not know which way to turn after the theft.

"My new Christmas stock of some items had only come in last weekend from Denmark and I'm left with no option but to re-order," he said.

Mr. Gordon has been busy with stock taking to ascertain just how much he has lost, but he feels it's anywhere between 25,000 and 40,000.

Investigations are ongoing and Police are appealing for any one with any information or for those who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area to contact them on 0845 600 8000 or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.