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Businessman forced to watch as his firm was burgled live on CCTV after police told him they wouldn't get there for a DAY

Photography firm boss has CCTV system he can monitor from his home
He saw raiders breaking into his premises and stealing computers
But when he phoned police he was told they could not attend the scene

Published: 13:55 GMT, 19 May 2016 | Updated: 15:03 GMT, 19 May 2016

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A businessman watched helpless as his premises were raided after police said they couldn't get there until the following day.

Paul Smart can monitor his photographic firm in Brierley Hill, West Midlands from his home 12 miles thanks to his security system.

But when he saw raiders breaking into his business and phoned 999 he was told to ring the non-emergency number 101.

Officers did eventually attend the scene, but the burglars had made off with £20,000 of computers equipment.

Paul Smart is angry after police said they couldn't attend a burglary that he watched unfold at his business through a CCTV system which allows him to check the premises from his home 12 miles away

The images showed two raiders helping themselves to computer equipment at the site in the West Midlands

Mr Smart, who lives in Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire, said: 'It was so frustrating, we're still reeling from it now.'

The raid on the commercial design and photographic studio toko place in the early hours of last Friday morning.

Mr Smart added: 'I called 999 and they answered the call and asked me where the emergency was. I apparently live in the West Mercia area. I gave them the address and they said "ah, you need to call West Midlands Police on 101".

'I called 101 and told them the same story. They said they did not have the manpower to do anything.

'I then watched the burglars leave, called 101, and watched them go again. Both times they said they could not come out. They gave me every excuse under the sun.

'Watching it was absolutely awful. When you are watching someone take your property and your hard work away like that, while not being able to do anything, it was awful.'

As well around £20,000-worth of computer equipment taken, the thieves did serious damage to the property

Mr Smart said police told him they could not attend the scene of the crime until the following day

The overall cost inflicted on the firm will be around £25,000 after damaged the building while breaking in.

Sales manager Steve Jones said: 'We had to battle to get someone out.

'The police's attitude was in many ways worse than the criminals' attitude - that they weren't coming out to a commercial burglary.

'There were two intruders, with one stood on watch outside the building.

'Paul was watching this while he was on the phone to police and it was unfolding like an episode of Coronation Street right in front of him.

'The police were so unhelpful - you get to the stage where you ask 'why bother?'

Mr Smart later arrived at the premises to find the raiders had ransacked his office and photo studio

West Midlands Police Chief Inspector Gill Davenport said: 'An investigation is under way and detectives are carrying out house to house inquiries, as well as looking at CCTV in the area.

'Second-hand retailers are also being visited so that they can be aware of the stolen property should anyone attempt to sell it.

'We have been made aware that the victim in this case is disappointed with the police response and we are discussing these issues with him to understand the concerns he has and to address them.'