THE manager of a Powys supermarket ram raided by burglars using a forklift in the early hours of the morning has praised the local community's response.
Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that the cash machine at the Co-op in Talgarth had been removed by thieves at around 3am on Tuesday, June 18.
The culprits caused extensive damage to the Co-op store, using what was believed to be a stolen forklift.
The supermarket is set to be closed for a lengthy spell, but store manager Will Lloyd took to Facebook on Tuesday evening to praise the efforts of the police and Co-op customers.
“A massive shout out to all local heroes involved in running this shop and supporting us from 3.30am this morning, from Dyfed-Powys Police to Co-op and Link Contracting,” said Will, in a post on the Talgarth Community Page on Tuesday evening.
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“Thank you for the huge amount of messages of support coming through on different platforms from friends, family and customers, it really helped.
“We'll be open to serve the community as soon as we possibly can.”
Former Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones, who is hoping to be elected to the recalibrated Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe seat next month, praised Mr Lloyd, saying: “Well done Will. Can’t be an easy day for you.”
Mr Lloyd also thanked Talgarth business Orion Motors for offering parking and break facilities in the aftermath of the burglary.
The post attracted multiple well wishes from locals, with Jane Roberts saying: “Lovely staff, always so friendly and helpful, good luck with the clear up and hurry back soon.”
David Wilkinson added: “There is one thing to be commended and respected. That is the helpful, good natured and friendly staff. Thank you all, hope to shop with you soon.”
Chris Green said: “My thoughts are with you and the people who live nearby.
“And the people for whom the services at the Talgarth Co-op are a lifeline. This is not the sort of thing we're used to in Talgarth. We're better than this.”
Heidi Charlton called for the offenders to be forced to carry out community service in the town.
“A huge well done to the staff and Dyfed Powys Police. Let's hope that the perpetrators are caught,” she said.
“If they are, I personally would rather see them do community service in Talgarth than receive a prison sentence."
Dyfed Powys Police said three vehicles suspected of being involved in the burglary have since been recovered, in addition to the ATM, although they said no arrests had been made as of Tuesday morning. The force has been approached to provide an update.
Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed Powys Police, either through a direct message on social media, online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, email 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk or call 101.
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