A CANAL holiday business has almost lost customers after being hit hard by a spate of battery thefts.

Middlewich Narrowboats in Canal Terrace has been targeted by criminals 20 times since October.

Thieves have been stealing batteries worth £90 each from canal boats moored on the towpaths while the business is closed.

Manager Adam Foskett told the Guardian that the thefts have cost the company around £2,000, including the labour to replace the parts.

“It’s constantly the same frustration trying to counteract the theft,” he said.

“As well as the cost it’s time constraining as you have to order new batteries in.

“It doesn’t paint a good picture of the town. Visitors are coming to Middlewich from all around the country and finding out that batteries are being stolen.

“It doesn’t portray a good image.”

Adam, who has run Middlewich Narrowboats for seven years, has not lost any customers due to the thefts - but it has come close.

The 29-year-old said: “Once a battery was missing on the same day the boat was going out.

“The customer picking up the boat had to be delayed so it’s not just inconvenient for us but for a third party as well.

“The batteries are probably being sold to people with boats and caravans and they’ve got a high quantity of lead so they have a high scrap value.”

Adam has now been forced to consider forking out for tighter security measures.

This includes CCTV and ‘Smart Water’ - an invisible solution which is painted on to property so the true owner can always be identifed.

He added: “I hoped it wouldn’t have to come to this and it’s at a big expense to us as well.”

PCSO Roger Need, of Middlewich police, thinks the culprits are using a nearby car to transport the batteries as each can weigh up to 30kg.

He said: “If people are on the canals or taking their dog for a walk on the towpaths and see anything suspicious please contact us because it’s happening more and more.”