A DUDLEY artist has had £3,500 worth of tools stolen.

Shaun O’Reilly, who runs Design and Craft in Stone Street, was devastated to find that a number of electrical hand tools - including a petrol chainsaw, welder, compressor and circular saws - were taken from a storage shed in the yard to the rear of the premises.

The craftsman, who rented the shop from Dudley Council, had used the tools daily to make sculptures, frames and tables out of recycled material.

"They cleared the whole lot. The only tools left were fastened down to the workbench," he said.

Mr O'Reilly said the theft had happened at some point over the last 10 weeks.

He was not at work during this time as he was in the process of moving his business to another council-owned unit next door but said a number of contractors had access to the yard during that time.

"There's a 20 foot high wall all around the yard and the only way in or out is through one of the three shops that share the yard," he added.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “In relation to the alleged theft of items from the premises, this is a matter for the police.

“Mr O’Reilly has been informed of the corporate complaints procedure. Any complaint will be dealt with in line with the procedure to hopefully resolve this issue.”

A West Midlands Police spokesman said the theft was being looked in to and urged anyone with information to call 101.