Thieves stole copper from large depot

A GANG burgled the depot of a haulage company, stealing thousands of pounds’ worth of copper wire in an incident that will cost the firm a sixfigure sum to remedy.

Jack Carey and Rhys Carey appeared before Swansea Crown Court to be sentenced for their role in committing burglary at Owens Transport Services depot, a large commercial premises in Llanelli.

The court heard how on July 13 last year warehouse manager Barrie

Evans discovered that a large amount of copper had been stolen from the premises over the weekend.

The police reviewed CCTV footage which showed a hire van at the location just after midnight on July 11.

The Ford Transit was stopped on the M4 some time later and during a search a large amount of copper wiring and a metal bar were discovered.

There were also two 20kg plates found in the back of the van, which had been stolen from a neighbouring unit to the depot which is used by a gym.

The men were arrested at the scene and made no reply to caution.

Jack Carey, 26, and Rhys Carey, 33, both of Heol Homfray in Cardiff, had both pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary other than a dwelling.

Paul Condick, 38, of Heol Trelai, Caerau, and Nathan Kingsley, 30, of Caerau Lane, Ely, both in Cardiff, had also pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary other than a dwelling but will be sentenced at a later date.

The court heard the total net weight of the copper found in the van was 1,780kg, valued at £7,832.

Judge Paul Thomas sentenced both men to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Jack Carey has been given a curfew order from 8pm until 7am for three months, while Rhys Carey has to carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work.