Arson attack costs Newcastle drivers their jobs • A Newcastle
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haulage firm has been forced to lay off some of its drivers following an arson attack which destroyed almost half of the company's fleet. Eight of Geoghegan of Benton's 19 trucks were burnt out in the attack at its main depot. The family firm has endured months of vandalism and thefts, but confirms that the £500,000 worth of damage caused in this latest incident is a serious blow.
The company, which employs 50 people, including 18 drivers, has been in business for almost 30 years, specialising in civil engineering contracts. Director Kieron Geoghegan says three drivers have already been laid off, while a fourth has been given a job as night watchman. "We were able to put up with !petty incidents such as people stealing diesel," he says, "but if things get any worse we may have to consider relocating." Geoghegan believes the firm may be the subject of a vendetta, but police say they have few leads.
A survey published last week revealed that 85% of North-East businesses have been victims of crime in recent years.