After a super walk over the Brecon Beacons yesterday, I returned to the car park to the south of GW/SW-004 to find it cordoned-off by police. A couple of hours after I left it, the side window of my car was smashed and someone removed much of the contents. All this happened in broad daylight in a popular car park. The car was locked (of course), the alarm was on and there was nothing on display to tempt the thieves.
Although the police were not allowed to tell me what happened, it was more serious than just mindless robbery. I learnt from a member of the public that another walker was in hospital, having been beaten up by the thieves. I’m told “he’ll be okay”. That sounds serious.
The police have three people in custody and they’re treating the incident very seriously.
So, a couple of cautionary points:
- It doesn’t matter how well you cover things up in your car, the thieves will assume there are articles of interest inside. I lost my SatNav and a few things of little value - but of most value to me, they took two pairs of walking boots. One was pretty well knackered (pardon the expression) but the other still useable and very comfortable. I was still contemplating using them on ODP in a few weeks time.
- If thieves are bold enough to do this in broad daylight in a public place, you want to keep well clear and make sure you’re in a position to report the incident accurately to the police rather than become hospital fodder.
Take care – not just on the hills.
73, Richard