EditorLLANELLI: Man arrested after spate of car break-ins in Gilbert Crescent as councillor calls for ‘swift justice’
A man has been arrested after a series of cars were broken into in the Gilbert Crescent area of Llanelli — with footage of the break-ins shared on social media by one of the victims.
Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that officers are investigating a spate of thefts in the Gilbert Crescent area of the Lliedi ward, with the incidents taking place between 7pm and 8pm on Sunday 17 May. Residents reported personal items stolen after their cars were broken into.
One of the victims, Hefin Jones, shared footage of the incident on Facebook — describing the suspect as an “absolute scumbag” who had targeted several vehicles including his own.
Lliedi ward councillor Shaun Greaney made a public appeal for residents to come forward with information and urged police to act quickly. He described the crimes as “utterly despicable.”
“Residents work hard for what they have,” Greaney said. “Such abhorrent behaviour warrants tough sentences. I would hope that Dyfed Powys Police will act quickly to do all they can to catch the culprit.”
The footage, shared publicly on social media, proved crucial. On Monday 18 May — within hours of the incidents being reported — a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft and bailed pending further investigation.
A spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police said they were “currently investigating a spate of thefts in Gilbert Crescent, Llanelli” where “residents reported personal items stolen following their cars being broken into.”
The force confirmed the arrest and advised that their “enquiries are ongoing.”
The swift arrest delighted Greaney, who credited doorbell cameras and community vigilance for the result. “It’s great news that there has been an arrest in this instance,” he said. “It shows the value of door cameras and community vigilance.”
“One still wonders at the motives of the individual concerned,” he added. “I hope that justice is swift and that the penalty matches the crime.”
The case echoes a pattern seen elsewhere in our coverage — a prolific burglar in Baglan was jailed for five years after being caught on doorbell cameras trying a dozen doors, underlining the growing role that home security cameras play in helping police identify and prosecute suspects.
Despite incidents like this, the Dyfed Powys force area has historically recorded some of the lowest vehicle theft rates in England and Wales. Research published in 2022 found that drivers in the Dyfed Powys area were the least likely of any police force area to have their car stolen — with just 1.2 vehicles stolen per thousand households in 2021.
Anyone with further information about the incidents in Gilbert Crescent on Sunday 17 May is asked to contact Dyfed Powys Police on 101.
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