A well-known Wiltshire mechanic has been left devastated after his “life’s work” was stolen from the van where he stores his tools.

Adrian Lee, 73, has been servicing customers from Devizes and Melksham for more than 40 years and continues to work part time alongside caring for his sick wife.

But on the night of Tuesday, January 31, the van outside his house in Bromham was broken into and his distinctive orange toolbox, which contained thousands of pounds worth of kit, was stolen.

The incident came just weeks after thieves broke into his shed and made off with other goods, including a space heater.

Mr Lee was devastated that the collection he built over the course of 40 years, including tools he had kept since he was an apprentice, had been taken.

He said: “Some of the stuff they took would have been worth pennies but to me it’s 45 years of building up a kit gone.

“I was shocked, I just couldn’t believe I opened the door and none of my tools were there. It was devastating to think that somebody could just break in and help themselves, regardless of the consequences for anybody else.

“They left everything in such a mess. They just pulled everything out and chucked it on the floor, it was as though they wanted to wreck it too.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Mr Lee's van was left in a mess by thieves.Mr Lee's van was left in a mess by thieves. (Image: Newsquest)

As well as the sentimental damage of losing his tools, the theft has robbed Mr Lee of his livelihood.

He added: “The toolbox was stuffed full of spanners, screwdrivers, hammers and everything you would need. Every spanner type tool that I would use is gone.

“Another toolbox with less in it was taken as well. It’s my work so I can’t work now, I can’t do anything until I get more kit.

“I have to weigh up what I can earn against the cost of putting it right and you do wonder whether it is viable.”

Mr Lee is determined to keep working, despite the setback, because he enjoys his work and does not want to let down the loyal customers who depend on him.

His granddaughters have started a GoFundMe page to help him replace his tools.

But he worries that he is a “sitting duck” who will be targeted again because of his rural location.

“I know I’m vulnerable here now”, he said. “I am going to have to get some security sorted out because it is remote.”

The police confirmed investigations are ongoing and information can be reported by calling 101 and quoting 5423001280.