A BUSINESSMAN says intruders caused £2,000 of damage when his car lot was broken into for the fourth time in three years.
Chris Field, owner of Care Car Sales Ltd, said they caused damage to four ignition locks, broke a window and burnt wiring inside the vehicles, which they had tried to start using jump leads.
In the latest break-in, he believes the cars were not stolen because the intruders were disturbed and ran off.
Mr Field said: "The knock-on effect at this time of year for a small business is huge.
"The thieves put windows through, smashed off steering wheel locks but couldn't get the cars going without the chip key.
"They even pinched the padlock off the gates."
The owner said the offenders jumped over the back wall and then used bolt-cutters to remove the lock from the front gate to take the vehicles.
Last January, vandals broke into Care Car Sales Ltd, in Chapman Street, and caused £1,000 of damage while the lot was closed.
"Over the Christmas period, it's so quiet," said Mr Field.
"I haven't sold a car in the past three weeks. I can't afford this to keep happening."
Mr Field said replacing ignition barrels and chip keys for modern cars is expensive, costing up to £200 for a new chip key.
He said: "It's another hassle I can do without."
Two of the cars were so damaged, they had to be towed away for repairs.
A silver Daewoo, a red Skoda, a white Vauxhall Corsa and a red Fiat van were all damaged in the latest break-in
The intruders also broke into Mr Field's van, which was on the premises, to use his jump leads to start the cars.
Police were contacted after the lot was broken into on December 19 between 3.45am and 5am.
Later that day, a group of men attempted to break into a car in a car park in nearby Fountain Road.
Mr Field is appealing for anyone with any information is asked to call Humberside Police on 101 quoting crime reference 1948235.
