Portable loos theft in Herefordshire 'could see family firm fold'

Neil Griffiths said the theft of the portable toilets could see his business fold as they were worth more than £40,000

The theft of more than 40 portable toilets from a racetrack could mean the end of a family business, their owner has said.

They were taken over several days following a race meeting in Pencombe, Herefordshire.

The loos were owned by Three Counties Toilet Hire, a firm set up in 2020 by Neil Griffiths who said they were worth more than £40,000.

"We've worked hard for this business and this could destroy it," he said.

"My son, my wife, we've put everything into it and for this to happen, just to finish over this, is heart-breaking."

The toilets were not covered by insurance while at the location from which they were taken and he said his family needed to decide what to do next financially.

The devices cost about £1,000 each and their design and colour were unique to the firm, Mr Griffiths said.

He found out they were gone when, while on holiday, he rang the chair of race host Ludlow Autograss Club, who said he thought the toilets had already been picked up.

Two portable toilets for disabled users were also stolen, at a cost of about £1,500 each.

"It's going to make it very hard in what we do for the future," Mr Griffiths said.

"Whether or not to fold the business, say 'we gave it a go, they beat us', or we try and battle on - we are really stuck at the moment."

The grey toilets and their design were unique to the firm, Mr Griffiths said

The toilets had not been emptied when they were taken.

Mr Griffiths said he had been told bits of information by members of the public and believed the toilets were last seen in Hereford.

He appealed for anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers.

West Mercia Police said inquires were ongoing.