Over two nights, equipment worth thousands of pounds was taken from 20 vans parked at various locations across the area.
In the first instance, thieves targeted streets in Lockerbie, Ecclefechan and Kirkpatrick Fleming last Tuesday to Wednesday.
And a repeat theft spree took place the next night, this time in Annan and Dumfries.
Bosses at regional building firm LIP Construction Ltd, based in Waterbeck,were left reeling after five of their vans, which were dotted around Annandale outside the homes of their employees, were looted over two nights.
Their HSEQ manager Henry McClelland branded the thefts absolutely disgusting.
He said: “We’ve lost thousands of pounds of equipment and we’re not the only ones.
“One of the items was a specialist saw that we had just purchased, we had it for one day. It was bought for a project specially and this really sets us back.
“It’s awful for us and horrendous for all the self employed guys working on their own.”
Slamming the thieves, he added: “They clearly have this down to a fine art. It’s not even noticeable at first that the vans’ locks have been tampered with. Please everyone remain on alert.” Meanwhile, a Dumfries based businessman has reached out to those affected.
Billy Robertson, of Billy’s Power Tools, has thrown a lifeline to workers as he is offering those who lost tools a free loan of a Hilti tool kit for up to a month to help get them back on their feet.
He said: “I was really shocked when I heard what happened.
“A lot of the lads who were targeted have been customers for years and this is my chance to give something back. They’ve helped and supported me over the years and now it’s my turn to repay the favour.
“But customer or not, the offer stands. The loss of tools is a huge kick to these guys and they deserve to be shown some kindness. I’m happy to help.”
Call Billy’s on 01387 250044 for more information.
