A GRANDDAD who relies on his tools for work feels 'devastated' after they were stolen by thieves.

Andy Bartlett, 66, who is self employed and has been carrying out a large contract on the London Underground, parked his van at the Stoke Mandeville station car park when it was broken into earlier this month.

The theft happened on Tuesday, November 1, between the hours of 6.55am and 2.50pm, whilst Andy was at a course in London.

The side loading door of his van was cut open and lock broken into.

His Bosch cordless power tools were taken, angle grinder, SDS drill, impact driver, vacuum, drill and a number of batteries were stolen - unfortunately none of the tools were insured.

After his granddaughter Hallie heard about the incident, she wanted to help raise money through a Go Fund Me Page.

Her mum Zoe Barlett, Andy's daughter, said: "My daughter Hallie is 10, and she was really upset when I told her what had happened. Grandpops has supported her in following her dreams of racing karts since she was five, he planned to retire a few years back but continued to take on work to help fund this.

"She said to me can we make a fundraiser to try and help get some money to help Grandpops buy some new tools, so we set about that and created the go fund me page."

Zoe explained how reliant her dad is on having the van and tools.

"He was devastated to have all his tools stolen, there was a large number of power tools which he used daily to carry out his work both in London and other more local maintenance jobs too," she explained.

"As well as the tools being stolen, his van has been left with significant damage which then left it unsecure, and although insurance will cover the damage, he will have to also pay the excess and increased costs on future insurance due to the claim. 

"It’s such a knock on effect for someone who relies on both their vehicle and tools, to have this happen, and personally upsetting that his possessions that he’s worked so hard for, have been taken and damaged."

The Go Fund Me Page has raised £531 raised out of their £2,000 goal.

A number of kind members of the public, including friends and family have donated money to help Andy.

The fundraisingpage adds: "I know at the moment things are really hard for everyone anyway but I’m hoping that if anyone can just help a little bit, I can give my Grandpops something back to help him to be able to replace his tools and get back to working."

Viist https://gofund.me/31346c8d to donate.