Thieves Break-in And Wreck Popular Local Business

A popular local business has been temporarily put out of action after thieves broke into its trailer and shed, stealing equipment and stock and vandalising the premises.

Sam Spelling, owner of Sam’s Mobile Catering which is well-known across the Meon Valley, said she was “gutted and devastated” by what has happened at her business in West Meon.

She said: “They have totally wrecked the place. They have stolen all my foods and drink, my till, knives and other cutlery, all my gas bottles and they broke all the locks and catches on the door.

“Not only did they steal everything, they then threw all my tubs of defrosting fish everywhere and then sprayed a bottle of bleach around – even putting some in the freezers.

“What the hell makes people do this sort of thing? I work so hard at my business and take pride in what I do so this has been devastating. I will recover but I will be out of action this week.”

Local people and customers have rallied round, with one customer, Shirley Tebby, setting up a Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shirley-tebby-1-sams-fish-and-chips which allows people to make donations to support Sam.

Sam, pictured with her daughter Bronny, said: “I am overwhelmed by the love and support I have received today so many people, it means so much to me – I can’t quite believe it.

“After tough hard times with the Covid pandemic over the past year and having had to replace my truck this was devastating and my insurance does not cover this incident. It’s so heart-warming that people are being so kind.”