Shop's anger over third ram-raid

Police want to speak to anyone who saw the car after it was stolen. Enlarge Image

A men's fashion shop has lost thousands of pounds of stock in the third ram-raid on the premises in 18 months.

Thieves drove a stolen Jaguar through the window of Moustache in Swansea city centre around 0420BST Monday morning.

Police are investigating but the store owners are unhappy kerbside railings they said once protected the business were removed during street renovations.

Detectives believe three people were involved in the raid and have appealed for witnesses.

Two vehicles were used - a black S type Jaguar and a black BMW - both stolen from Pastoral Way in Tycoch sometime after 2300 BST on Sunday.

The Jaguar was driven through the front window on Belle Vue Way whilst the BMW was used as a get away vehicle.

Det Insp Andy Hughes of Swansea CID said: "We are particularly interested in the movements of the Jaguar and the BMW after they had been stolen. I would appeal to anyone who has sighted the vehicles along with the description of any occupants to come forward."

The ram-raiders made off in a black BMW which was also stolen

Shop spokesman Vince Minchella said it was the third raid on the premises in 18 months and the second in the last three weeks.

He said thousands of pounds worth of stock was taken and blames the removal of the pedestrian railings.

"When the city centre regeneration project started approximately two years ago the railings were removed and nothing was put in their place," he said.

"The business has been on the same site since 1978 and used to be protected by kerbside railings.

"Although the railings were there to protect pedestrians they also provided security for the premises."

Swansea Council said it had invested in a bus priority lane and environmental improvements in the area.

"This has included the removal of a roundabout and the subway system at the Princess Way end of The Kingsway to make the area more attractive, safe and accessible for all shoppers," said a spokesperson.

"The safety of pedestrians and the security of retailers in the city centre is always an important issue and the council is currently in ongoing discussions with individual traders about how best to manage it."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Swansea Central CID on 01792 450618 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.