Business ‘heartbroken’ after theft of £10,000 generator

A NEW business which has been operating in Omagh for just over two weeks has been left ‘heartbroken’ following the theft of their £10,000 generator in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Staff of mobile hot food vendor, Crow Bar, located at the Gortrush Industrial Estate, were expecting business as usual on Tuesday morning, only to find that, when they arrived, their generator had been ‘cut out of the ground’ and stolen.

The staff immediately alerted police, who arrived on the scene shortly after – but the business was forced to shut-up-shop for a number of hours due to having no alternative means of power.

“We are very, very heartbroken,” a staff member told the UlsterHerald. “We’re here trying to make an honest living in Omagh, and I can’t understand why anyone thinks it’s okay to do something like that.

“The generator runs our whole van, and without it, we cannot operate our business.

“It was a big shock for us, as the generator was bolted into the ground, and further secured using chains,” they added. “So, someone came in with bolt cutters and took their time cutting through everything – and now we have to foot the bill.

“Somebody knew it was here. They knew the area, and they were watching. Hopefully they will be caught.”

Police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

In a statement, a police spokesperson said, “Police are investigating a report of the theft of a generator from an industrial estate in Omagh on Monday night, September 23.

“It was reported to police at 7.25am on Tuesday, September 25 that, at some point during the night, entry had been gained to commercial premises at Gortrush Industrial Estate and an generator had been taken.

“Enquiries are ongoing and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact 101 quoting reference number 214 of 25/09/24.

“A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

“Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”