BY GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

MALVERN, ST. ELIZABETH

Al's Welding Works in Malvern St. Elizabeth, fell victim to robbers recently when the businessplace, which has been in existence for over 20 years, was broken into.

The business, operated by Santa Cruz resident Al Fagan, reportedly had the locks to the main door removed by vagrants, who it is understood used a pipe wrench to break them off while gaining entry to the building.

Fagan told THE STAR that when he arrived at his business place, his storeroom was ransacked and several items were missing. He pointed out that he lost all his tools which took him years to acquire, several motor vehicle parts, a vacuum and a power wash machine that were being used in the car wash side of his business.

"They took all my tools, my welding torch, several parts for vehicles that I am repairing for customers and several other items that do not belong to me and which I will have to re-purchase," said Mr. Fagan.

The businessman said a rough estimate for the items which have been stolen from his work shop puts his losses well over $600,000. He added that it will be very difficult for him to replace some of his tools, as they took him several years to acquire at very high cost.

The Malvern police said they were aware of the break-in and that investigations are being conducted.

In the meantime, several taxi operators who depend on the services offered by Mr. Fagan, have reported that they are saddened by the incident. They say they have to depend on Mr. Fagan for his services, as he offers them the most reasonable prices in that part of the parish for work done on their behalf.