Ex-Royal Marine and Cowfold businessman left with £150,000 of damage after suspected arson attack on his birthday

An ex-Royal Marine has suffered £150,000 damage to his Cowfold business after a burglary and suspected arson attack on his birthday.
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Tree surgeon Dan Holder, 33, said the break in cost him £26,000 in hand tools, £95,000 in larger machinery as well as other expenses to fix equipment.

Dan, who has seven people working for him, added: “I just felt sad for the guys.

“We worked really hard to build up to what we are now.

The fire damage in Dan's yard. Photo: Dan HolderThe fire damage in Dan's yard. Photo: Dan Holder
The fire damage in Dan's yard. Photo: Dan Holder
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“To basically see it all go up in flames all for the sake of a few chainsaws.

“It’s just a massive waste. So much effort, so much money – to see it all just burn away.”

He said the thieves were ‘clueless’ as to who is actually affected.

Dan, from Brighton, added: “I don’t think they fully understand the impact on people’s lives. It just has such a knock on effect for so many people.”

The fire damage in Dan's yard. Photo: Dan HolderThe fire damage in Dan's yard. Photo: Dan Holder
The fire damage in Dan's yard. Photo: Dan Holder
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The incident happened in the early hours of yesterday (April 28) morning, Dan’s 33rd birthday.

He shared the news of the theft on Facebook in a post which was shared more than 14,000 times.

The threat of theft to small businesses can take a heavy toll on mental health according to Dan.

He added: “You shouldn’t have to worry that much about your whole livelihood being taken away.

“It’s just not right.”

But the community has rallied round to support Dan.

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A Just Giving fundraiser has been set up by a member of the public which has raised more than £9,000 thanks to hundreds of donations.

Dan said: “I would like to say a massive thank you.

“There’s a lot of very, very decent people out there.”

Police confirmed they were called to Oakendene Industrial Estate, Bolney Road by fire crews at 6.50am.

A spokeswoman said: “Holder Tree Services was found to have been broken into overnight and industrial equipment reported stolen from the premises.

“Fire has caused damage to equipment left on site as well as to services such as electrics and water, meaning several other businesses on the estate could not operate.”

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Enquiries are underway to establish what happened and officers are appealing to anyone with information to come forward, according to the spokeswoman.

She said: “Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or who is offered to buy equipment such as chainsaws, strimmers and hedge cutters is asked to report online or call 101, quoting serial 213 of 28/04.”

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