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With the Coronavirus pandemic taking its toll on the self-employed, the order of the day is to keep stress levels to a minimum, but for one driver and his family, waking up to find their vehicle completely wrecked by thieves has left them in despair.
Guy Barry, a private hire driver licensed by Poole Borough Council, and part-owner of Ariel Taxis, and his wife Paula, who also works in the industry, woke up to find their vehicle had been destroyed by thieves who stole two of the car's four wheels, as well as smashing the rear view window and stealing the spare wheel from the boot.
The incident happened during the early hours of Saturday 21 March and is now under investigation.
Speaking to TaxiPoint, Paula said: "We live in a small village in Piddletrenthide, where this happened. Our car was parked right outside our house.
"We are totally gutted. The damage is much worse than the pictures show. The steering arm and seal have been badly damaged where it dropped on the jack."
The couple are now asking anyone with any information on the whereabouts of the wheels to provide information that could assist them during such a tough time.
With no other means of income, the family have been left shocked and devastated by the action of mindless thieves.
As self-employed workers, they are currently only entitled to put forward a claim for statutory sick pay - measures recently put in place by government to offer help to self-employed workers affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.
A Facebook page for the local community has already shown the kind heartwarming actions of many, with some locals already putting forward replacement wheels and funding to help Guy get back on the road.
Image credit: Paula Barry
