Officers in Porth are appealing for information after thieves stole meat worth thousands of pounds in an overnight raid on a family Butchers.
The incident was reported by the owner of Richards’ Family Butchers at just gone 5am this morning (December 19th).
The 35 year-old owner of the business, which has only been in operation for 6 months, arrived for work to discover thieves had gained access to the premises which is on Llwyncelyn Industrial Estate, Porth.
Thousands of pounds worth of customers’ meat being stored in freezers was stolen, and a van full of meat was also stolen.
Christmas presents for the business owner’s son, which were being stored on the premises until Christmas Eve, were also taken.
They included a BMX bike, X box games, a Welsh rugby jersey and a Man Utd shirt printed with the number 11, and the name ‘Nani’ on the back.
Cash kept in a safe was also stolen from the premises.
The thieves struck some time after 5pm on Sunday evening. Officers believe they would have needed a large storage vehicle to take the goods away, and hope the public may have noticed somebody or a vehicle in the area acting suspiciously – probably under the cover of darkness.
Chief Inspector Tony Brown said: “The timing of this incident could not be worse for both the business owner, and his many customers who had pre-ordered their meat ready for Christmas.
“Firstly, I have assurances from the owner that everyone’s orders for Christmas can and will be honoured, so there is absolutely no need for any customers to panic.
“However, the callous individuals responsible for this would never have known this. They were prepared to spoil Christmas for hundreds of families as long as they get what they want or need.
“It is now down to the public to help us catch these people by providing us with any information they may have.
“People will be offered cheap meat – and as tempting as it may seem right now – they should refuse it and contact us straight away.
“Christmas for many people has been put in jeopardy by the actions of these thieves, but they will only get what they want if people buy the stolen property from them.
“It is also worth pointing out that meat in the wrong hands can be dangerous. Who knows how it has been handled or where it is being stored since it was taken?”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Porth Police station via 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.