A BUSINESS has vowed to fight back after thieves stole £20,000 worth of fireworks in a raid.

The fireworks were taken from the New Coley Nurseries, based on Halifax/Keighley Road, Cullingworth - the first year it has stocked the items.

The stolen goods, which were all types with a Bright Star brand on them, were locked up in a storage container at the garden centre.

But the company has vowed to fight on despite the setback and its suppliers have already replenished its fireworks stock which initially hd gone on sale on October 15.

The burglary took place last Thursday, between 12.45am and 2.30am.

It is believed two men were behind the raid, which saw them move a forklift truck which was parked in front of the container.

It is believed the thieves had initially broken into the container featuring the fireworks between 8pm and 9.30pm the previous night.

The business also has CCTV images of the burglary, which it has handed to police for their investigations.

The raiders used the firm’s trolleys to make two trips across the car park and through a field where they loaded the trolleys and took them to the getaway van parked on Trough Lane.

Oliver Kenny, of New Coley Nurseries, said the business has quickly stepped up its security measures following the burglary by employing a security guard with a dog to deter any further incidents.

He said: “We put so much hard work into getting everything set up.

“To be robbed of these fireworks is very upsetting. Unfortunately it is not surprising. They came in and took the lot.

“It is the first year we have stocked fireworks.

“But we are fighting back and we are not going to let who has done this win.

“We have re-stocked and wanted to let our 7,000 garden club members know.

“They have got away in a black Transporter van.

“We have increased our security with the addition of a new military grade security camera and have employed a security company who will have two security guards on site and a patrol guard dog.

“The police are currently investigating a number of vehicles and people and would like to speak with two men who came on site last Tuesday acting suspiciously.

“Our suppliers re-stocked us within 24 hours of the robbery.

“We have put in so much work into getting this going and will not be beaten by thieves who think it is OK to steal.

“We don’t want to let people down.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed the incident took place and issued an appeal for more information from the public about the burglary.

He said: “Police are investigating a burglary in Manywells Brow in the early hours of Thursday, October 26, which saw boxes of fireworks taken from a container.

“A vehicle is believed to have been used in the offence and the fireworks stolen are thought to be similar to ones on general sale to members of the public.

“Enquiries are continuing into the burglary and anyone with any further information is asked to contact the Shipley Neighbourhood Area Team on101, quoting crime reference 13170497656, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.”