WHEN callous thieves broke into Daniel Duncan’s van, they stole not only his tools but his livelihood.

The Hillside resident was on the verge of completing his apprenticeship as an electrician and was looking forward to starting his own business next year.

Eager to get the best of everything, Mr Duncan had spent the past three years and thousands of dollars building up his uninsured tool collection.

But the dream was shattered last week when thieves broke into his work van, robbing him of $5000 worth of tools, a laptop computer and a GPS system.

“They completely cleaned me out,” Mr Duncan said.

“When I went to work in the morning I started driving down the street when I realised the van door had swung open.

“When I went to close it I looked in the van and realised I had been robbed.”

The theft has devastated Mr Duncan, who fears he will no longer be able to afford to run his own business.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the vicinity of Tormorvey Ave on 2nd February is urged to contact the Keilor Downs Police on 9365 3333.