A South Wales skip hire firm is struggling to survive after an arson attack destroyed two of their wagons last month.
AJ Gill and Sons, of Tonypandy, near Cardiff, was struck by the attackers during the early hours of the morning on May 14th. The CCTV footage shows two culprits on push-bikes forcing their way into the yard, before dowsing the trucks with liquid and setting them alight at around 3.30am.
Company bosses now fear they could be forced to lay off staff as a result of the attack.
“It’s put a big struggle on the business,” said Dean Gill, 32, one of the firm’s co-owners. “We’ve had to try to replace vehicles. We’ve had to cancel work and we might have to lay some of the part-time workers off at the end of this week. Some customers have been good as gold, but some have not been sympathetic. At the end of the day, it’s not our fault.
We are going to bear the brunt and hope the insurance is sorted as soon as possible. We’re in their hands.”
The company looks likely to have to find around £1,500 a week to continue operating until the trucks are replaced, and also seems certain to lose income as a direct result.
“It’s a time of the year when everybody is struggling. All we’re trying to do is earn a living.” said Mr Gill.
“I was gutted when I saw the lorries,” he added. “It’s our livelihood. Someone is trying to put us out of business. Some people like to brag about things like this, so I hope if anyone hears anything, they will tell the police.”
Anyone with information should call South Wales Police on 01656 655555, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
