A couple from Reading has suffered losses worth £10,000 after rats infested their rented storage unit at Shurgard. Neil and Emma Griffiths discovered that rodents had gnawed and soiled their personal effects, including wedding photos and mementos of a baby they lost, when they went to unpack some boxes during a house move.
Mr Griffiths said the problem was first identified in June when he arrived to find their belongings 'littered with droppings and fresh urine.' He described finding a box with a hole gnawed in it, from which a large grey rat emerged and scuttled into the back of their unit. He expressed dismay that people pay good money to store items they care about, expecting them to be safe.
Among the damaged items were clothes, household goods, and irreplaceable sentimental items such as wedding photos and toys and clothes belonging to their deceased baby. Shurgard apologised to the couple and stated it has 'stepped up' its pest control programme. A spokesman acknowledged that not all losses can be addressed through insurance and expressed regret over the damaged sentimental items.
The company has emailed customers, suggesting that someone is storing perishable food items against regulations at the Reading site, which has attracted vermin. Shurgard plans to examine each storage unit to identify the responsible party. The Griffiths were insured, and Shurgard said it has assisted them with their claim.
