74476-21A TRADER who has been the victim of five thefts in just over two years is furious with what he claims is a lack of action by police.

And he says things are so bad that he is considering shutting up shop altogether.

Paul Lolley, of Discount Auto Parts in Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, was hit by thieves for the fifth time on Tuesday when a man stole a set of under-car neon lights valued at £80.

But when he called Swindon police, he was told no-one was available to help.

Paul, 37, said: "I'm completely disheartened with the police. They say crime doesn't pay but it certainly seems to.

"I'm annoyed because they just won't come out."

But police say they have to prioritise calls.

Paul, who set up his business in April 2002, also had his shop broken into in November the same year when thieves took £2,000 worth of equipment.

And his car has been broken into a number of times while parked outside the shop.

Now he says the criminals may force him out.

He said: "If it carries on it will force me to leave. It's like swimming through treacle at the moment.

"We knew who it was on Tuesday but when we phoned the police they just 'sorry, we've got nobody to send'.

"I've reported five crimes to the police in the last five years and I have never heard anything on any of them.

"The police just come down give us a crime number and then that's the end of it nothing.

"People are just getting away with it time after time. The one on Tuesday might not come back here but I'm sure he'll just go some-where else and do the same again. It's crazy, it really is.

"You try to run a business but you've got no protection."

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said that although an officer was unable to attend, a description of the offenders was circulated to patrols.

She added: "Due to the unpre-dictable nature of policing, there are times when resources are stretched and the degree of urgency relating to the response of any incident has to be prioritised.

"However, I must stress that we don't ever minimise the importance of any crime to the victim and can say that all reported incidents are taken seriously and investigated."

The suspect man is described as white, in his late teens with dark hair. He had a ring in left eyebrow, and wore jeans and a grey anorak with writing on the back.

Anyone with information about the theft should call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Last week, the Adver reported how another shop was hit by a ram raider on Christmas Eve.

The thief reversed his car into the front door and stole car stereos worth £700 and a £300 mini motorbike before fleeing.

Owen Bygraves, 34, of Falconer Mews, has been charged with the theft.

He was remanded in custody.

Gareth Bethell