POLICE are investigating a particularly heartless theft that involved a Land Rover being stolen from the property of a recently widowed Powys woman.

The Land Rover is said to hold huge sentimental value to the victim, following the recent death of her husband.

He died of cancer and her family revealed she would never part with it – it was even stolen while containing several personal items that belonged to him, like his walking stick and other possessions.

The theft, which also included other high-priced items like chainsaws, a quad bike, a pressure washer and other tools, happened in the Aberedw area, near Builth Wells, earlier this week.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the theft occurred in a very tight window, sometime between 11pm on Monday, April 1, and 12.05am the next day.

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The blue Land Rover is believed to have been spotted in the Llyswen area soon after midnight.

Philip Evans, who is related to the victim, believed to be in her 70s, took to Facebook to share details of the theft.

“Some lowlife scum has stolen a relative’s Land Rover Defender from Aberedw last night,” he posted on the Stolen Farm Plant and Rural Issues Facebook page.

“It's not the fact that it's just another Land Rover theft, it has huge sentimental value as it was her late husband's pride and joy.

“He'd recently passed away from cancer, she said she was never going to part with it. It still had his walking stick left inside and other little bits and bobs.

“It was seen on CCTV going through Llyswen last night at midnight, so if anyone sees a friend or neighbour with a new, very tidy Land Rover Defender, recently parked on their driveway, please call the police so they can check it out.”

Speaking to the County Times, Philip added: “They stole a quad and chainsaws and other stuff as well but the theft of the Land Rover has left (the deceased) his wife absolutely distraught.

“She’d left his walking stick in the cab as it just reminded her of her late husband. You never heard a bad thing about him or her; she has been left badly disabled after an operation went wrong and then he got terminal cancer.

“She used the Land Rover to go down the farm and her daughter took her into town to pick up bits and pieces in it. The Land Rover was immaculate.”

Dyfed Powys Police said it is investigating the burglary.

“The Land Rover is blue in colour, with white wheels,” said the force in a statement. 

“It is of high sentimental value to the victim and family, and was taken alongside the following items: Yamaha Grizzly 450 quad bike in green; Honda petrol pressure washer; STIHL chainsaw with 20-inch bar; STIHL chainsaw - smaller bar; STIHL leaf blower; Black and Decker grinders – approximately worth £200; various tools including socket set and bolt cutters.

County Times:

“The Land Rover, when taken from the property, is believed to have travelled in the direction of Llyswen.

“If you have any information that could help officers with their investigation or have been offered an opportunity to purchase any of the items above, please get in touch.”

You can contact PC 900 Greensmith either through a direct message on social media, online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk or by calling 101. Quote reference: 24*304887.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.