THE owner of a family-run Worcester business has spoken of his anger after hooded raiders smashed their way into his firm, stealing thousands of pounds worth of machinery.

Mark Smith, owner of Ron Smith Garden Machinery, based at premises in Newtown Road, was first alerted of the break-in when his alarm company called him in the early hours of this morning, (May 24).

Mr Smith said on arrival he discovered the front door to the firm's office was off its hinges, with the door's glass smashed in three places to access the locks.

"It looks a professional job, they used a crowbar to force their way in," Mr Smith said.

"They cut the lock off the gate, and tried to get in the warehouse and fire exit door at the back first.

"We have CCTV and you can see two men, wearing masks, who were probably only inside for two or three minutes.

"Another man stayed in a hatchback car. He has backed up, and they loaded chainsaws in, before escaping up Sheriff Street.

"This is a busy area, somebody knows or saw something - hopefully their numberplate."

Mr Smith, who took over the running of the business from dad, Ron, 25-years-ago, said he estimates around £5,000 worth of chainsaws were stolen, while £5,000 worth of damage was caused during the raid.

Mr Smith said he stayed at the premises until 5am putting up a temporary door, and clearing up the mess left at the front entrance into the shop's showroom - including shattered glass - to ensure the firm, that employs 35 people, stays open to customers.

"They don't realise the damage it causes," Mr Smith added.

"If we were a smaller company, this would have finished us off. We will have to look at additional security now."

A West Mercia police spokesman said: "Officers were called at 12.15pm to reports of a burglary.

"The incident took place between 11.30pm on May 23, and 12.15am on May 24.

"The offenders left the scene in a dark coloured vehicle."

Anyone with information is being asked to call police on 101, quoting 7-S-240516.