A Dragons’ Den contestant who had investors trading verbal blows in a bid to get a share of his business has been targeted in a ‘soul-destroying’ £140,000 burglary.
Drone shop owner Mark Boyt gave up 40 per cent of his company to secure a £60,000 investment from ‘Dragon’ Peter Jones during a 2018 appearance on the popular BBC show.
After being attacked by masked robbers, the businessman of 45 years, whose company operates in drones, was forced to take a huge’setback.
In a quick smash-and grab of three minutes, the Nike-wearing thieves broke through a fence and then smashed down his shop’s door. It took place on December 28, 2008.
The pair made off with 18 high-tech drones, mini drones, two cameras, goggles and accessories – said to be worth ‘well over’ £100,000 – in a Jewson branded bag.
Drone Safe Register’s CEO, Gutted Boyt, claimed that many Boxing Day orders had been stolen.
He stated, “It all was very targeted.”
We have spent so much time building our business but we are disappointed with customers who have lost their Boxing Day orders.
Three-minute smash-and-grab took place at the Chichester-based company of Mr Boyt on December 28, when three Nike-wearing thieves broke through a fence and then smashed down his shop’s door.
Drone Safe Register founder and CEO Gutted Mr Boyt said that thieves stole many Boxing Day customers orders.
“We worked hard to make the UK’s best-rated and fastest growing drone store. To see all that work vanish in just a few minutes is devastating.”
His business which began as an online registration of pilots who are approved to fly drones, and expanded into a shop, was not taken over by the thieves.
“We are proud to announce that the Drone Safe Store remains open despite this setback. We look forward to continuing to serve you and do what we do best.
“During this difficult time, I want to personally thank Drone Safe Register Members for all their help and support in tracking down these missing drones.
“We are in discussions with the manufacturer about publishing the serial numbers. We urge the public to be vigilant about any DJI drones that are being sold at low prices.
“We will offer a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest and identification of these two thieves as a result of our CCTV surveillance.
He said, “It’s quite pointless for thieves, drones cannot be sold, it’s an absolute waste of time.
“Every drone operator has seen these drones. They will be captured, we are optimistic.
Just after midnight, the alarm went off at the firm on Sunday, December 28.
Two mask-wearing masked raiders, wearing all-black tracksuits and carrying a blue Jewson concrete mix bag were caught on CCTV.
Both of the burglars were dressed in Nike trainers and Nike running bottoms.
Two burglars broke into the building and damaged an outer wire fencing. They then rushed through the building towards the Drone Safe Store, which is on the first floor.
After getting to the door, they used brute force and smashed the frame. Then they escaped via the fire door towards the train tracks.
Within six minutes, police arrived at Basepoint Enterprise Centre. Officers even flew their drone over the site to attempt to find the thieves. However, the men were already gone.
Items stolen included DJI’s new Mavic 3 Cine Premium Combo, worth over £4,000, as well as Mavic 3 Fly More Kits, individual Mavic 3s and DJI Mini 2s.
In total the products’ value equates to more than £140,000 worth of tech.
Tom Boyt was the manager at Drone Safe Store, and a son of Mark. He said that it is heart-breaking to watch what happened. It is abominable to do this Christmas season to a family-run business.
“We have tried to make drone flying more accessible and legal in recent months.
“So, despite this setback we will still be open for business. Facebook Marketplace is a popular place to sell stolen goods, so we urge you all to remain vigilant.
“These drones can be bought for thousands of pounds and are easily found in any part of the country.”
The police issued an appeal for information to trace two of the CCTV-captured men.
Pauline Lane (detective inspector, Sussex Police’s Coastal CID) stated that this was a serious burglary which had a severe impact on the victims.
“A thorough investigation is underway and we ask anyone who recognizes these people, witnessed anything suspicious around that time or has pertinent dash-cam footage to call police.
Drone Safe Register was established by Mr Boyt in 2015. It is a UK network for Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), approved drone pilots that can be hired through this company.
In 2018 he appeared on BBC show Dragons’ Den seeking a £60,000 investment to expand his business.
In 2018, Mr Boyt appeared on BBC show Dragons’ Den (pictured) seeking a £60,000 investment to expand his business
In the end Mr Boyt agreed to Peter Jones’ offer.
Peter Jones was a businessman who offered the money in return for 50% of his investment. He also promised to make him “quite a rich man”.
He was then challenged by Tej Lalvani, a fellow dragon and Jenny Campbell who offered him the same amount but for a small percentage of his business.
The row resulted in a dispute between the Dragons. Jones claims that his backing would have an ‘immeasurably difference’ was dismissed by Campbell as ‘all bluster.
Lavlani claimed that he could make Mr Boyt’s brand “quicker”, prompting Jones to respond: “Of course not.”
Jones accepted Mr Boyt’s offer but after reducing his share to 40%.
But the 55-year-old, who made his first millions in the telecoms industry and is now said to be worth around £450million, is no longer involved in Mr Boyt’s business.
Anybody with information regarding the burglary may contact Sussex Police by phone or online, and quote serial 0008 from 28/12.