West Bromwich law firm finally back open after three raids in two weeks
A law firm in the Black Country had to close a base for nearly six months after raiders caused £100,000 worth of damage.
HRS Family Law Solicitors, based on West Bromwich High Street, was forced to close when thieves stole lead from their roof, leaving a hole which caused the ceiling to collapse and the office to flood and spread with damp.
The office has only just reopened as it needed extensive repair work following the raid.
Crooks also got into the office through a hole they made in the roof before stealing thousands of pounds worth of equipment.
The building was targeted three times in two weeks back in November, with staff catching the perpetrators in the act on one occasion.
By chance, two employees went into work early at 8.30am and interrupted the burglars attempting to steal office supplies.
They immediately alerted police but the criminals escaped on foot.
“It was horrendous, they were petrified,” said Melissa Nicholls from the business.
“They didn’t know whether they were going to attack them - anything could have happened.
She added: “You are scared they are going to come again.”
A police investigation into the incidents in November has so far proved fruitless.
And the firm has just finished a six-month revamp of its premises to get back up and running.
Melissa said: “It’s been a nightmare. It’s probably up to £100,000 in cost all in all. It was £30,000 just to fix the roof.”
West Bromwich High Street had to be closed for the day after the roof raid due to public safety concerns over loose roof tiles.
Making matters worse, tools were stolen from the van belonging to those fixing the roof.
Staff and clients have also been temporarily moved to the firm’s other sites across the region while repair work has taken place – an unavoidable switch which has drawn complaints from customers.
“For a little bit of lead it’s caused all this damage. It’s had a real impact on the business - it’s crazy.”
The firm’s office reopened this week, having been stripped of all its old furnishings which had been damaged.
However, Melissa voiced her concern over the potential reputational damage following the closure.
She said: “People lose trust when you have been shut for six months. They thought we were going out of business – it’s been terrible.
Melissa added: “They don’t care about anybody. We are fuming.”
A police spokesman said: “Police were called to reports of a burglary at HRS Solicitors at 8.30am on 15 November. Offenders took computer equipment before being disturbed by staff. No arrests have been made.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101; quoting crime reference number 20SW/246513N/17.
