Crystal Harrison, Star Writer

Armed thugs are said to have managed to overpower a security guard, taped his mouth and hands before towing away two vehicle loads of construction equipment, estimated to be valued at $3 million, recently.

The incident reportedly happened on Monday, between 2 and 8 a.m., at the Engineering Sales Company Limited on Eastwood Park Road in Kingston.

THE STAR understands that the armed men, who managed to gain entry onto the property, overpowered the watchman before damaging a side window to get inside the establishment.

Interestingly, during the robbery that lasted about six hours, the armed men reportedly had to make two trips from the businessplace due to the amount of goods they had taken.

Items reportedly taken by the robbers include a surveillance monitor, five chainsaws, two concrete cutting saws, three gasolene-powered rock drills, two desktop computers, among other valuables.

THE STAR also understands that the sales operations manager also felt the brunt of the armed men as a gun was used to hit him in the head.

He reportedly received five stitches as a result of the wound.

According to the owner of the business, George Lechler, "This is really limiting and crippling our ability to do certain types of jobs. In addition, we already have our staff working four days for the week. This is probably pushing our business to be only able to afford our staff to work three times for the week."

When contacted, the St Andrew Central police confirmed the robbery and said that they are investigating the incident.