Thieves stole two safes before fleeing in a stolen minibus after a raid on the Express Motors’ (EM) Penygroes depot, near Caernarfon – only for them to be arrested in Warwickshire.
The family-run operator’s premises on Llyfni Road was broken into during the early hours of January 7. Rhian Davies, Transport Manager at EM said the perpetrators smashed through the front door of the offices before stealing two safes and a minibus in which they made their escape.
Both the safes and the vehicle were later recovered in Warwickshire. According to the Daily Post, three men – Edward McDonagh, his father John McDonagh and an uncle Bernard McDonagh – were arrested in Nuneaton and have been charged with burglary after the raid. The men appeared at Caernarfon Magistrates Court on January 8 and gave no indication of plea. The trio have been remanded in custody until February 8, when they will appear at Caernarfon Crown Court.
EM’s Kevin Jones told CBW: “Fortunately our vehicles are fitted with trackers, so we were able to pin-point their whereabouts.”
It is the second time in a month that the business has been targeted, after thieves broke into the compound over the Christmas period, stealing a quantity of cash worth between £5,000 and £10,000.
Rhian Davies said: “It’s the third burglary we’ve had since we’ve been here.
“It’s just intolerable, as we’re hard-working people and this just sets us back. This is not what you want after the Christmas and New Year period.”
North Wales Police are now appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting crime reference U002860.
