Three Business's targeted on Mayflower Estate, Formby

Burglars targeted three businesses on a trading estate in Formby.

The businesses, all located on the Mayflower estate off Liverpool Road, were broken into on Monday night. The intruders used a sledgehammer they found inside the USC Training Facility to smash their way into an upholstery shop next door. A neighbouring garage was also burgled.

Formby businessman John Youssef, who runs USC, told the Times that he was shocked to walk into the aftermath of the raid on Tuesday morning.

He said: “They smashed in through the front door. I then noticed that my kit bag had been emptied, with the contents strewn across the floor. My suspicion is that who ever broke into the gym had been here before.” The burglars stole £500 worth of supplements stored inside the gym. They are then thought to have used a sledgehammer from Mr Youssef’s gym and then smashed into Tony McGibbon Reupholstery Specialists.

Mr Youssef added: “I have now shipped all the nutrients to Amazon, so there is nothing of value here anymore. I lost around £500 worth of stock, and the damage to my door will cost another £500 to repair. I am insured by I risk increased premiums if I claim. It is annoying because I have worked hard to build up this business."

Mr Youssef, who’s parents ran Quo Vadis restaurant in the village for over 15 years, opened the gym 18 months ago. USC is a back to basic gym with tyres, punch bags, kettlebells, ropes, sandbags and beer kegs, with no televisions or air conditioning. The 36-year-old teaches hand to hand combat and takes conditioning classes. Instructors also teach boxing and Muay Thai at the gym.

Tony McGibbon, who owns Tony McGibbon Reupholstery Specialists, said: “They came in through my front window, but there was little in here of any value to them. I had the window repaired for around £100, so it is more of a nuisance than anything else.”

A spokesman for Merseyside Police confirmed an investigation was underway following burglaries at three commercial premises in Formby. We received reports that SC Training Facility, Tony McGibbon Upholsterers and Wizard on Wheels were burgled. All three business sustained damage during the burglaries. Anyone with information can call detectives in Sefton CID on 0151 777 3837, or via the 101 number, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

This report was from the Southport Visitor