Police ‘informed housebreaking sufferer it is best to work for us’ after he was compelled to hold out his personal detective work after they didn’t make any progress

A roofing company that was burgled has slammed police after they had to carry out their own detective work when officers failed to make any progress. 

When owners of Up Top Roofing & Scaffolding in Poole, Dorset, were burgled three times in six months, they decided to take matters into their own hands. 

They meticulously collected eyewitness accounts, stolen vehicle details, CCTV footage locations and stolen company credit card data – but their sleuthing resulted in no arrests being made by Dorset Police, and little progress in the case, they said. 

In fact, when they presented their detailed evidence to the police, they were allegedly told: ‘You should work for us.’ 

Owners Guy Moore and Kieran Eagles have now lodged a complaint with the force outlining what they feel are significant failings and a lack of accountability. 

The directors have also called on other businesses to share their experiences and put pressure on authorities to tackle the problem. 

The company received an email from the officer in charge of the investigation citing shift pressures, emergency call demands and court commitments as reasons for the force’s limited communication. 

Guy and Kieran said: ‘We fully understand the challenges of managing competing responsibilities and [we] lead a company where safety, accountability, and legal compliance are daily realities. 

Owners of Top Roofing and Scaffolding say they had to carry out their own detective work when officers failed to make any progress 

‘However, Dorset Police is a large organisation with specialised burglary units and local policing teams designed to handle such cases. 

‘Our business has provided clear leads, witness information, and forensic opportunities. 

‘The lack of progress, communication, and oversight cannot be attributed to workload alone and this is a failure of process and leadership. 

‘Too many small firms suffer in silence, afraid to speak out for fear of being ignored or dismissed.’ 

They added: ‘We need a collective voice demanding better protection for working people, trades, and local enterprises that form the backbone of Dorset’s economy.’ 

The company is encouraging business owners to contact the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, local councillors, and business associations to raise awareness of the issue. 

They added: ‘We want to see Dorset Police live up to their own mission of ‘relentless pursuit of criminals’ and ‘exceptional local policing’. Those words must mean something to every victim, every time.’ 

They said the company continues to cooperate fully with the investigation and remain hopeful that Dorset Police leadership will take decisive steps to rebuild trust and restore safety for local businesses. 

Dorset Police confirmed it had received reports of the incidents and had undertaken forensic examination of the scenes and was making enquiries. 

A spokesperson said: ‘Officers have also been trying to arrange a time for the victim and a witness to provide a formal statement, which has now been arranged for a few weeks’ time on request of the victim. 

‘The investigation remains ongoing. Officers will explore all viable lines of enquiry that have the potential to provide evidence, which meets the required threshold for submission to the Crown Prosecution Service.’ 

They added that after initial contact with the company, further attempts to engage with them were ‘not responded to’ and officers were unable to obtain required evidence to progress any viable lines of enquiry. 

The force reaffirmed it remains committed to supporting victims of crime and bringing offenders to justice.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: ‘I am unable to comment directly on individual investigations, but I would advise anyone who is unhappy with the service they have received to make a complaint to Dorset Police which will be dealt with through the official channels.’