DONATIONS have continued to flood in to support a pensioner following a burglary at his Alcester business.

Alan Stephens, aged 71, who has owned Alcester Sports and Tackle for 36 years, was “devastated” after he found out his life’s work had been destroyed.

Thieves broke in overnight on Tuesday, July 7, stripping the shop bare and making off with £40, 000 worth of stock, leaving Mr Stephens feeling like he would never reopen his doors.

After finding out about the break-in, an Alcester Grammar School pupil, Loren Lewis, aged 18, set up a fundraising page in the hopes of helping to keep the shop open.

So far, more than £2,000 has been donated from about 100 people and some from are from as far away as the USA.

 “I read the story that his daughter had up on Facebook and I also read a piece in the newspaper and because he had been going for 36 years I want to raise a little bit to get him back on his feet,” she said.

“I am so happy I can’t believe it. I thought I would have been lucky to reach £200. I am so happy for him and I can’t wait to give it to him.

“When the pledge is over I am going to go to Lloyds and get a large cheque and then go give it to him and see his reaction.”

Mr Stephens, originally from Redditch, thanked the community saying the support was “phenomenal” and that he was “overwhelmed.”

During the theft, forced entry was made to the Tything Road business and a large quantity of fishing supplies, a variety of rifles and £1,500 of cash was taken.

Further damage was also caused to the shop as water was poured over the till and display cabinets.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw a white Ford Transit van around the area.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious around the time of the incident is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 95 of July, 8.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

To donate visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/loren-lewis-1.