A LOCKSMITH is urging people in Barry to be vigilant after thousands of pounds worth of security tools were stolen from his van.
Matthew Cullen’s van was broken into and stolen from outside his home on Vale Street, leaving the Barry man “devastated”.
Mr Cullen, who owns Barry Security Centre and Locksmiths on Park Crescent, lost thousands of pounds of tools in the incident, tools he believes could be used to commit further crimes.
The 48-year-old said he is “very concerned” about his stolen tools, many of which were passed down to him by his father, being used by criminals.
“One of the most worrying parts is that these people appear to be ‘professional’ criminals and could damage and break into houses,” he said.
“They appear to have used a vehicle lock pick to get into my van - so who ever did this knows a lot.
“I’m urging everyone to be careful and vigilant and just hope my tools can be retrieved sooner rather than later.”
The van was stolen sometime overnight between Saturday, September 3 and Monday, September 5. Although it was later recovered in the Llandaff area, numerous lock picking tools were missing and are yet to be recovered.
Mr Cullen, a father-of-seven, said: “We didn’t actually notice the van had been stolen until Monday morning because my wife had been unwell so we stayed in the house all day the previous day.
“Twenty years of hard-earned tools are missing - including my key cutting machine which cost more than £1000.
“These tools are very sentimental because I got most from my dad but also through my determination to work hard and buy things.
“I have a growing family and we do our best, and for this to happen is so sad.
“But I’m really worried that the tools could be used to commit other crimes.”
A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “Anyone with any information concerning its [tools] whereabouts is asked to contact us on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 and quote reference 1600340147.”