POLICE have warned Powys residents against consuming any animal medication after sedatives were stolen from a veterinary practice in Radnorshire over the weekend.

Medication, including sedatives, and a vehicle were stolen from the Hafren Vets practice in Knighton at the weekend – with that 4x4 then used in a second burglary at nearby tractor dealership, Teme Valley Tractors.

The two burglaries occurred over the weekend and are linked, with both Dyfed Powys Police and West Mercia Police investigating.

The veterinary burglary is believed to have occurred between 9pm on Sunday, May 23, and 8am the following morning, with a number of chainsaws then stolen from the dealership just after midnight on Monday, May 24.

Animal medication, including antibiotics and sedatives, were taken from the practice, as well as a brown/bronze Nissan Navara with ‘Hafren Group’ written on the side.

“Dyfed Powys Police is investigating a burglary which occurred at Hafren Vets, Ludlow Road, Knighton, sometime between 9.10pm on Sunday, May 23, and 8am on Monday, May 24,” said a force spokesperson.

“A quantity of animal medication, including antibiotics and sedatives, and a vehicle were stolen. The vehicle is described as a brown Nissan Navara with ‘Hafren Group’ written on the side. The index number of the stolen vehicle is FX66 UER.”

DI Andy Evans added: “The stolen medication is solely for use on animals and is not in any way suitable for humans to take. I would urge anyone who has been offered the medication to contact police immediately.”

A number of new Husqvarna chainsaws were stolen from the Teme Valley Tractors property, as well as some cash, with the same Nissan Navara used in the second offence. Damage was also caused to the property during the burglary.

PC Wayne Strangwood, of West Mercia Police, said: “We are in the early stages of our investigation and would like to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour or who has any CCTV from the area.

“At this stage we believe a bronze Nissan Nivara pickup was used during this burglary. The vehicle, which is bronze in colour and has green signage on it, was stolen earlier that morning.”

Investigating officers believe two men or possibly more were involved in this incident. One of the men is described as aged between 40 and 50 and of a heavy build. He was wearing a wax jacket and wellington boots.

Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed Powys Police, either online at bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, on email 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Quote reference: DPP/0016/24/05/2021/01/c.

Anyone with information or CCTV footage is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident 71i of 24 May. Alternatively, information can be passed through the online reporting function on West Mercia Police website at https://www.westmercia.police.uk/.

If you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100 per cent anonymous, they never ask your name and cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.