Police ask for help in tracing stolen tobacco

ABOUT £40,000 worth of stolen cigarettes could be circulating in South Wales after they were stolen from a lorry.
Police have asked the public to report anyone who offers them tobacco or cigarettes in suspicious circumstances.
Detectives were alerted to the theft on Monday when a large consignment of cigarettes and tobacco failed to be delivered to shops and outlets across South Wales.
South Wales Police said: “A Palmer and Harvey Transport delivery lorry, registration GN54 EWZ, carrying the consignment, left a depot at Christchurch Road, Baglan Industrial Estate, at approximately 5.45am on Monday.
“It was later found parked up in a nearby lay-by.
“We believe the vehicle travelled from Port Talbot to the Sarn area of Bridgend between 6am and 7am on Monday morning.
“During this time, a large quantity of cigarettes and tobacco of various major brands, valued in excess of £40,000, has been removed from the lorry, which is a cream and red DAF 90 with Palmer and Harvey Transport written on the side.”
A 41-year-old man has been arrested and charged with theft and is due to appear before Neath magistrates.
The incident was reported to police by the Palmer and Harvey Transport company management.
Detective Inspector Jason Davies said: “We are appealing to anyone who knows where the stolen property is to come forward.”