Newbury soldier devastated after £14,000 burglary

Cpl. Robert Barnes, who is due to receive his Long Service and Good Conduct medal later this year, returned from his second tour in Afghanistan earlier this month to find that his garage in Eliot Close, Thatcham, had been looted.
The mechanic, who serves with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, had more than £14,000 worth of tools and equipment stolen, which he hoped would help him set him up in his own business when he retired from the army in seven years.
“I was absolutely devastated,” the 33-year-old said. “Those tools were my future. With redundancies in the army this was my full back. I want to set up a business when I leave the army.
“It had taken me over 17 years and more than £14,000 to build up the tools of my trade and it sickens me to have had that taken away from me while serving my country.
“My livelihood has been taken away by some scumbag.”
The former St Bartholomew's School pupil qualified as a mechanic at Newbury College while working for Miller’s Garage and Gowrings, both at Bone lane Industrial Estate, Newbury, before joining the army in 1997.
Cpl Barnes, who is expected to be stationed to Cyprus next year, issued a plea to anyone who might be able to help him or have any information as to the whereabouts of his stolen tools :
“I don’t want to sound like I’m begging but if anyone has any tools they don’t need or if any business could offer me a discount I would be really grateful.”
If you can help Corporal Barnes, who has also served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kuwait, contact him via rjb6323@yahoo.co.uk
Thames Valley Police has confirmed it is investigating the incident, which happened sometime between September 25 and 29.
Spokesman for Thames Valley Police, Craig Evry, said at this stage no-one has been arrested or charged in relation to the burglary but the investigation is still ongoing.
Anyone with any information about the incident should contact police on 101.
If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.