The boss of a Blackburn travel firm has spoken of the “soul-destroying” moment she arrived at work to find thieves had broken into her business.
Carla McFeely set up Destination Perfect four years ago after joining forces with her sister-in-law Carla Mann who lives in the Costa Del Sol. The two Carlas, known as Carla England and Carla Spain, are able to offer a personalised service by providing a direct point of contact in both the UK and on the continent.
A month ago they branched out and Carla McFeely, who lives in Wilpshire, opened a base at Huntleys off the A59 at Samlesbury to allow customers to pop in and plan their holidays.
READ MORE:- Police arrest suspects after recovering stolen van in Samlesbury
But mum-of-two Carla, who is originally from Manchester, was devastated when she turned up for work last Wednesday and discovered her office had been subjected to a break-in overnight.
(Image: Submitted)
“It wasn’t just us that got broken into,” the 40-year-old told LancsLive.
“Another business and a couple more further down also got targeted so whoever did it must have been on the rampage that night.
“After spending so many weeks working really hard and changing the business it’s a bit soul-destroying. They didn’t take anything; they just made a mess of everything.”
Carla, who moved to the Ribble Valley 18 months ago, said the Covid pandemic had a catastrophic impact on her business.
“The dynamic of travel has changed massively,” she said.
“There was so many people who were trying to reach us in complete and utter panic during Covid. They just didn’t know what to do and some were stuck somewhere and had no one to talk to so I think the service we offer gives them that reassurance.
“People’s mindsets have changed and there’s this misconception that travel agents cost more but that’s not the case. It helps us massively having someone in the Costa Del Sol who is English but we also book luxury holidays to places like the Maldives and Dubai.
“During Covid we had zero bookings but we still had to work throughout the pandemic because we needed to be on hand to help customers. It’s looking like people might get to go on holiday this year so the tide has definitely turned and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
“We’ve done well in that we’ve helped a lot of people so they’re coming back to us because we were there in their hour of need.”
(Image: Submitted)
A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary confirmed the break-ins at Huntleys have been reported to police. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote log 0681 of February 9 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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