HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds of motorhomes were stolen or damaged when a gang of thieves raided a Wellington business at the weekend.

The raid on Chelston Motorhomes, in Summerfield Way, Chelston Business Park, happened at about 11 pm on Sunday (August 23).

Three motorhomes were stolen and driven away, while several other vehicles were damaged.

All three stolen vehicles were later recovered after they had been left in various local streets.

One was still on the business park, in Castle Road, another was dumped in Dyers Close, West Buckland, and the third in Blackdown Meadow, behind the Mount Veterinary Animal Hospital.

A police spokesperson said officers arrived on scene and found the gates to the business had been damaged.

The spokesperson said: “There was evidence of multiple damaged motorhomes.

“Officers have spoken with the business owner who is supporting our inquiries.

“Inquiries into the theft are ongoing and officers have already gathered forensic evidence, conducted CCTV trawls, and spoken to potential witnesses.

“If you have CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage in any of the relevant areas listed, officers ask you to review them overnight from 11 pm on Sunday to the early hours of Monday morning for anything suspicious.

“If you can help, please call 101 and quote reference 5226238569.”

Chelston Motorhomes was founded more than 50 years ago by Brenda and Stanley Eyles and has grown from a small family-run garage into one of the Westcountry’s leading motorhome specialists.

The couple’s business story began in 1973, when they purchased Snows Garage, on the A38 near Wellington, and renamed the business Chelston Motors and Petrol.

In 1986, the company entered the motorhome market, selling its first vehicle, a Bedford CF Doormobil, marking the beginning of a new era.

The business outgrew the site and a purpose-built motorhome and caravan centre was opened on the business park in 1999.