A SPATE of car vandalism which saw the East Radnor Day Centre minibus having its tyres let down at the weekend could have put vulnerable people at risk.
A police constable warns it could have been “chaotic and dangerous”.
At least three vehicles in Presteigne had their tyres let down and valves stolen overnight on Friday, July 1.
The incidents took place between 7pm and 9am the following morning in the area around Mill Lane and Scottleton Street.
The culprits removed a total of at least nine valve inserts causing all nine tyres to deflate.
Police say that the only way to remove these valve inserts or cores is by use of a small specialised piece of equipment known as a valve key which is not easily obtainable.
Although these matters have been recorded as thefts the value of each insert taken is minimal, but the potential consequences could have been severe.
PC Bill Cowan said: “The owner of one vehicle in Mill Lane drove a short distance before realising that one tyre had been deflated, which could have caused damage to the wheel itself or, more worryingly, some form of road traffic accident.
“Of a more disturbing nature was the fact that the East Radnor Day Centre minibus had six tyres deflated in this manner.
“Luckily this was spotted over the weekend and the missing inserts replaced.
"If this had not have been noticed before the start of the day on the Monday, then according to the centre’s manager Vicky Ball it would have caused chaos and placed up to 22 vulnerable persons at risk as planned care and medication would not have been delivered on time.
"Such a situation could be potentially dangerous.”
If you saw any of these offences being committed, contact PC Bill Cowan.
The contact numbers are, from within Wales, 101 or from elsewhere 01267 222020, Crimestoppers 0800 555111.
Alternatively email PC Cowan on bill.cowan@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk