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North Wales Live
an hour ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Four vans ripped open like tin cans all parked in 'last place you would expect'
Skilled workers and their families were left devastated when thieves carried out an astonishing series of brazen raids in broad daylight. Thousands of pounds worth of tools were taken from four vans parked up at two golf clubs in northeast Wales. Pictures show the thieves drilled out locks to gain entry. In at least one case, a hole was ripped in the side of a van as if a giant tin opener had been used. North Wales Police is investigating the break-ins and has appealed for witnesses and video evidence. Three raids were reported at Wrexham Golf Club and another a short while later at Vale of Llangollen Golf Club on Saturday, May 31. At Llangollen's car park, joiner Jason Jones returned from a round of golf to find two holes in his Ford Transit and its contents missing. He estimated 23 cordless tools, mostly expensive Makitas worth around £3,000, were stolen. Now lacking his van and tools, all planned work has been rescheduled, leaving him and his business, Marson Joinery, further out of pocket. 'So bloody angry,' said his partner online. 'Can't believe nobody saw this happening. I hope whoever did this is so proud of themselves, you are an absolute disgrace.' CCTV footage from the club has been handed over to the police. The theft is thought to have happened between 1.20pm-1.45pm. Jason, from Wrexham, said: 'I really appreciate the way Llangollen Golf Club efficiently dealt with the situation once they had been made aware.' It was a similar scenario at Wrexham Golf Club car park where three van owners were also left distraught the same day. One estimate put the combined haul here at £10,000. Again, it's thought high-value cordless tools were targeted before the thieves moved on to Llangollen. One victim didn't discover the theft until he returned to his van at 5.30pm. All his battery powered tools were removed. Online, his partner said: 'We are fuming. Absolutely gutted! How the hell is he meant to work with no tools?' Online photos of another van targeted at Wrexham shows a series of holes drilled to gain entry. It's estimated the Ford Transit custom van was broken into between 12.10pm-12.45pm. Again, multiple tools were stolen, including brands such as Makita and Milwaukee, along with Megger testers for assessing insulation resistance. On social media, a woman said the losses ran into 'thousands and thousands of pounds'. She fumed: 'These are people who know what they are doing. They drilled holes into the lock to gain access. This is the lads' livelihoods. They work hard and don't deserve this. 'The cost and implications of repairing the van alone is awful. What is wrong with people? Disgusting.' Wrexham Golf Club said it was horrified by the raids, which took place at a tree-lined car park next to the clubhouse on what was a busy competition day. A spokesperson said: 'It's very disappointing - we're all in a state of shock about what happened. This is the last place you would expect something like this to happen. 'We have CCTV and the police have taken what they need. They've been very helpful and their enquiries are ongoing. The course was very busy at the time - a competition was being held and there were a lot of people here. 'We've done our best to warn everyone. We've also contacted other golf clubs not yet targeted so they can contact their tradespeople.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox North Wales Police said its officers are investigating the thefts of 'several tools of high value' from four vans parked up at the two golf clubs early on Saturday afternoon, May 31. A spokesperson said: 'Investigations into these incidents are ongoing. We would appeal for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity at these locations, or who may have any CCTV or dashcam footage of the golf club car parks over the weekend, to contact the police.' Reports can be made by calling 101 or via the force's online chat service. For the Llangollen theft, callers should quote reference 25000447612. For the Wrexham thefts, the reference is 25000447199. North Wales Police has published crime prevention advice for securing vehicles whilst not in use. This can be found here.
North Wales Chronicle
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Aled Jones pays tribute to one of Wales' greatest musicians
Annette Bryn Parri, Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir, was from the Deiniolen area. She died on May 27 aged 62. The esteemed Welsh Pianist, described as one of Wales' greatest musicians by Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones, was well-known in Welsh culture circles and appeared regularly at the Eisteddfod in Llangollen. At the time of her passing, she was the Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: 'It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend Annette Bryn Parri. Annette was the musical director of our force choir. 'From day one put her heart and soul into developing and nurturing the choir. Annette Bryn Parry plays the piano for residents at Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon (Image: Mandy Jones) 'Those who knew Annette will know that her warmth, talent, passion, and courage was outstanding. 'I spent some time with her recently and we spoke of the ambitious plans she had for the choir and for the love she had for those who are part of this special group." North Wales Police lowered their flag to half mast as a mark of respect. "We are thinking of Annette's family and close friends at this most difficult time," Chief Constable Blakeman added, Arwyn Tudur Jones, Choir Conductor and Sergeant, said: 'On behalf of the North Wales Police Choir I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Annette's family and friends. 'Annette meant so much to our police choir and she brought joy and happiness to so many. Her talent shone through, and we were so privileged to have Annette as our Musical Director - a role I know she cherished deeply. 'We have lost a dear friend and we will all miss her terribly.' Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones said: "So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. "I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend." So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend. RIP x John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Annette Bryn Parri, whose musical brilliance and generous spirit enriched the Llangollen Eisteddfod for so many years. "Her contribution to Welsh music and her legacy of excellence will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.' Llion Iwan, S4C's Chief Content Officer, said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of accompanist Annette Bryn Parri. "She made a remarkable contribution to Welsh culture, contributing to a number of programmes over the decades while accompanying renowned singers such as Sir Bryn Terfel. MORE NEWS Child dies after medical incident in North Wales village "We extend our deepest sympathy to her family in their bereavement." In a statement, Pendine Park Care Homes said: "It will be a huge loss without Annette Bryn Parri who sadly passed away on Tuesday, May 27. "Annette was so wonderful at our Children's Day Workshops at Llangollen Eisteddfod and she also performed in our homes in Wrexham and Bryn Seiont Newydd much to the delight of our residents and staff. "Our condolences and thoughts to all her family." Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir said it was a "privilege" to share the stage with Annette. They said: "The choir are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Annette Parri who we've had the privilege to have shared the stage with on a number of occasions including the recent St David's Day concert in St Asaph Cathedral when she performed alongside Dylan Cernwy. "The renowned and distinguished pianist with such a remarkable talent would leave our audiences 'visibly joyful'. "Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time." Annette's musical journey began at an early age. She became an official accompanist at 15 and made her first appearance at the 1983 National Eisteddfod in Llangefni. In 1982, she won the Grace Williams Medal for composition at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod at Pwllheli and the Blue Riband for instrumentalists at the 1985 National Eisteddfod at Rhyl. After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Annette joined the staff of the music department of Bangor University as a piano tutor. Annette accompanied the choirs of Ysgol Glanaethwy performing arts school in Bangor for more than 30 years. She was musical director of the Anglesey-based Côr y Traeth for nearly a decade and established Trio, a male vocal trio. In 2024, she took on the role of musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir.
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Man suffers 'potentially life-threatening injuries' in two-vehicle crash
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A man has been flown to hospital with "potentially life-threatening injuries" following a crash on the A525 this morning. The collision, between a van and a car, shut the road near Hanmer, in Wrexham, for hours, while emergency services worked at the scene. A North Wales Police statement said: "A man has sustained serious, potentially life-threatening injuries following a collision near Whitchurch earlier this morning (Tuesday, June 3). "At 05:37 North Wales Police responded to a report of a road traffic collision involving two vehicles – a red coloured Peugeot 306 and a Ford Transit van on the A525 Hanmer. "The emergency services were called to the scene including the Air Ambulance and the driver of the Peugeot was airlifted to hospital in Stoke with serious injuries. The driver and passenger from the Transit were taken to the Maelor Hospital." Anybody who may have been travelling along the A525 just prior to the collision and who may have dash cam footage are asked to contact North Wales Police via webchat or by calling 101 quoting reference number C080440. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening on the roads near you
North Wales Live
4 hours ago
- General
- North Wales Live
Man suffers 'potentially life-threatening injuries' in two-vehicle crash
A man has been flown to hospital with "potentially life-threatening injuries" following a crash on the A525 this morning. The collision, between a van and a car, shut the road near Hanmer, in Wrexham, for hours, while emergency services worked at the scene. A North Wales Police statement said: "A man has sustained serious, potentially life-threatening injuries following a collision near Whitchurch earlier this morning (Tuesday, June 3). "At 05:37 North Wales Police responded to a report of a road traffic collision involving two vehicles – a red coloured Peugeot 306 and a Ford Transit van on the A525 Hanmer. "The emergency services were called to the scene including the Air Ambulance and the driver of the Peugeot was airlifted to hospital in Stoke with serious injuries. The driver and passenger from the Transit were taken to the Maelor Hospital." Anybody who may have been travelling along the A525 just prior to the collision and who may have dash cam footage are asked to contact North Wales Police via webchat or by calling 101 quoting reference number C080440.
Leader Live
4 hours ago
- General
- Leader Live
A525 crash: Man airlifted to hospital with serious injuries
At 5.37am North Wales Police responded to a report of a road traffic collision involving two vehicles – a red coloured Peugeot 306 and a Ford Transit van on the A525 Hanmer. The emergency services were called to the scene including the Air Ambulance and the driver of the Peugeot was airlifted to hospital in Stoke with serious injuries. MOST READ: Planning application submitted for huge new housing development in Wrexham Jealous thug headbutted ex after 'asking about her sex life with new man' Wrexham man to hike mountain range - carrying fridge freezer! North Wales Fire and Rescue service were also in attendance, having sent three appliances to the scene. The road was closed for several hours. The driver and passenger from the Transit were taken to the Maelor Hospital. Anybody who may have been travelling along the A525 just prior to the collision and who may have dash cam footage are asked to contact North Wales Police via webchat or by calling 101 quoting reference number C080440.
