Burglars smashed through the wall of a Black Country firm to steal thousands of pounds worth of copper piping and electronic equipment less that a year after the business fell victim to a similar raid.

Cutting equipment and sledgehammers were used to break through metal shutters and breeze blocks at West Bromwich-based D & P Plumbing and Heating. The burglars also smashed the front window of the business.

They stole lengths of new copper piping and a laptop computer, estimated to cost a total of between £5,000 to £6,000.

The attack echoes last year’s robbery when burglars first smashed a hole in the wall of the plumbing firm, clearing it of all its tools and stock worth more than £20,000.

Owners Phil Shakespeare and Dean Bowen, who have run the business for five years, were away on holiday when the break in took place, although the business, in Beacon View Road, Charlemont Farm was operating in their absence.

Mr Shakespeare said: “This is obviously a raid that had been very carefully planned. They would have needed a vehicle, sledgehammers and cutting equipment.

“I can’t believe nobody heard anything. It astonished me the amount of tools they must have brought and how little concern they had about getting caught.

“It must have taken at least half an hour to get in.

“They stole £1,200 of copper tubing, which I presume they will sell, and a laptop computer.

“We are a small business and only employ four people so this will have a devastating effect on us.”

He added he was disappointed the police have yet to discover the culprit, or bring anyone to justice over the last break in.

Anyone with information on the raid, which took place on Monday, November 12, should call West Bromwich Police on 0845 113500.