A MAN’S life was turned upside down after thieves broke into his Darwen garage and stole his scooter – only to joyride and then smash it to bits.

The burglars broke into Andrew West’s rented garage in Richmond Terrace twice in two days and took the 125cc scooter on their second raid, he said.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The scooter was recovered a couple of weeks after the theft, which happened earlier this month, after being found badly damaged near Anyon Street.

Mr West, 52, of Olive Lane, said the thieves knew exactly what they were doing and must have had plenty of tools.

He said: “I had a break-in at the garage on a Friday night, and whoever it was they were just scanning the place.

“They came back a couple of days later and stole my scooter, which is my only mode of transport.

“They were well-prepared. They didn’t bother breaking in, they just took the door off its hinges.

Lancashire Telegraph:

“The bike was chained to a trailer but they went through it like a hot knife through butter.

“When they found it, it was just a wreck.”

Mr West, who paid £1,300 for the scooter just a couple of months ago, said he would only receive about £500 from his insurance.

Grandfather Mr West, who lives with his wife, Angela, said it was the knock-on effects that were the worst.

He said: “It is so frustrating. It is not just about the bike but also the after-effects.

“It is not being able to see my two grandchildren or my mother in Chorley.

“The helplessness of the police is so devastating as well. They did all they can, but they are powerless to stop this sort of thing.

“I have been out of work and I got the bike to help me look for a job and that put an end to that.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed an investigation had been launched after the theft of the blue Lexmoto Gladiator scooter sometime between 5pm on November 2, and 9am on November 3.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101.