Gardai are appealing for information following a break-in at a well-known Laois business on Wednesday night which saw a valuable collection of antique enamel signs and glass petrol globes stolen.
JL Bradshaws, the busy motor factors store on the Stradbally Road in Portlaoise, was burgled between 11pm and midnight on Wednesday.
It’s believed the intruders accessed the site from Dublin Road side and used a drill to take the mounted items before making off through the church carpark where they fled in a waiting getaway car.
It’s understood that over 50 antique advertising signs or globes were taken, ranging in value from €200 to €400. They are all about 1ft by 2ft in size.
Among the signs and globes taken were ones for Frys Chocolate, Shell, Texaco, Esso, Dry Imperial Ginger Ale and Crow Bar Tobacco.
Owner Glen Bradshaw has described it as “hugely frustrating” and that the signs, as well as having a considerable monetary value, were of “historic and sentimental” significance.
Glen’s brother Trevor posted an appeal on Facebook asking anyone with information – or if they are offered the items for sale – to notify Gardai.
JL Bradshaws is a long-established Portlaoise business and one of the country’s leading supplier of motor parts, equipment and tools. As well as Portlaoise, it also has premises in Carlow, Tullamore and Newbridge.
Anyone with information can contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 8674100.
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