Anglers devastated by Oldbury fishing gear theft
A pensioner and his grandson have been left devastated after their fishing gear worth more than £2,500 was stolen from a garden shed.
John Ellis, aged 75, and Bradley Hickman, 13, were forced to pull out of a competition this weekend because of the theft.
The fishing equipment, which included three poles and four rods, was taken from a wooden shed at Mr Ellis's partner's home in Broadmoor Avenue in Oldbury.
The thieves picked the lock to a garden gate before breaking into the shed and taking all the fishing gear.
The raid took place between 11.30pm on Monday night and 6am on Tuesday morning.
The theft has been reported to police, who are investigating, but Mr Ellis said he was concerned the pair would not get the valuable equipment back.
This year they have completed in 19 competitions and had planned five more over the next two months.
But now the theft has put future plans on hold as they have no other fishing equipment.
Mr Ellis, of Waterloo Road in Bewdley, said: "My partner woke up to go to work when she noticed the gate lock had been broken and went to find all the fishing gear gone from the shed.
"I was devastated, but not as much as my grandson who when told after school burst into tears.
"It's shocking someone can break into a garden and take your personal items like this." Mr Ellis said he believed there had been a spate of thefts involving fishing equipment in the area.
He said: "I'm sure this was a professional job.
"They knew exactly what they were after and they took everything inside.
"I'd warn other people to be on their guard against this."
Police spokeswoman Deb Edmonds confirmed the theft had been reported to officers.
She said enquiries were ongoing and appealed for any witnesses to come forward. with information.
Anyone who can help police officers with their inquiries should call 101.
