Vandals close down trucking business

Up to nine people face losing their jobs after a second vandal attack in as many days forced a Bay of Plenty truck building business to close.

Twenty eight windscreens were smashed in trucks parked at Keith Ellett's Greerton Transparts firm over the Christmas break, causing $20,000 damage.

Yesterday, Mr Ellett suffered another blow when he discovered vandals had struck again -- causing a further $10,000 damage to headlights and tail-lights.

The vandals used concrete blocks, cobblestones and steel pipes from the yard to carry out the second attack in the Maleme St yard, where 15 trucks were stored.

"It is more than annoying -- it is soul-destroying," Mr Ellett said. "It is what we have built our life into."

The business rebuilds and restores trucks to sell locally, nationally and internationally and has nine staff.

After a sleepless night, Mr Ellett, 55, said today he had decided the only feasible course was to shut down.

"I didn't expect this sort of vandalism. It is just wanton destruction for the sake of it. It's destroyed my life."

Mr Ellett said he would remain self-employed in the trucking business and would probably keep on some of his staff under a new, smaller business banner.

He said the remaining mechanics, engineers and panel-beaters should be able to find work elsewhere.

He said he and his staff had built up the business over six years. To make up $20,000 to pay for the first attack alone would represent six months' work.

"That is a huge amount of work for no return."

Investigating officer police Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson said that he was confident the vandals would be caught after fingerprints were found at the Maleme St yard.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES