A 48-YEAR-OLD man has pleaded guilty of burglary after thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen from an electrical shop in Aberystwyth. 

Dyfed-Powys Police received a call reporting that a burglary had taken place at CEF Electrical sometime between 3pm on Sunday 29 September and 7.15am on Monday 30 September, 2024. 

The shop owner explained that when he arrived to open the shop on the Monday morning, he noticed that the front door was smashed, and the wires linked to the alarm system had been cut.  

Inside the building, he noticed that several items – mainly high-power electrical tools – had been taken. The shop keeper calculated the total value of the stolen items was around £30,000.  

Officers were dispatched to the location and began securing forensic evidence from the scene and conducting CCTV and house-to-house enquiries.  

CCTV cameras captured a vehicle attending the business at around 11.30pm the night before and returning to the business at around 1am.  

Checks confirmed that vehicle belonged to a 48-year-old Christopher Cole from Hackney, London.  

DNA swabs taken from the inside of a broken windowpane also pointed to Christopher Cole being present at the crime scene. 

Cole was named as a wanted suspect, and extensive search enquiries led to his arrest in Rugby, England, by Hampshire Police on Wednesday 19 November 2025. He was brought into Aberystwyth police station for questioning. 

Cole was subsequently charged with burglary and released on conditional bail. On Monday, the 48-year-old admitted to the offence and will be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on30 January, 2026 

PC Joe Roberts, the officer in this case, said: “This was a serious offence committed by a man who thought he could travel into our force area and target a local business for his own gain. 

“This crime has understandably had a significant impact on the business and its employees, and I hope this outcome will reassure them that Dyfed-Powys Police will not tolerate travelling criminals in our area. We eagerly await his sentencing.” 

NEARLY four in ten school support and early years workers are worried about having enough money to feed their families this Christmas, according to a new nationwide survey.

The poll of more than 4,600 staff working in schools and early years settings, carried out in December 2025, also found that more than half are concerned they will not be able to afford Christmas presents for their families.

The findings highlight the financial pressures faced by workers who play a vital role in caring for and educating children, but who are among the lowest-paid in the education sector.

The average teaching assistant earns just over £17,500 a year, while those working in early years settings are paid around £19,000.

Despite their own financial struggles, almost three-quarters of respondents said they felt obliged to bring items in for the children they look after. These included treats, sweets and cakes, Christmas presents and festive clothing, with some staff buying raincoats and body warmers from charity shops for children arriving at school without adequate outdoor clothing.

One respondent said: “I have breakfast items in my drawer all the time as many children don’t eat before coming to school.” Another told how their money was “stretched further” after buying food and clothing for pupils whose families could not afford the basics.

The survey also revealed widespread frustration over a lack of flexibility around time off during term time. More than half of respondents with primary-aged children said they had been unable to take time off to watch their own child’s nativity performance for at least three years. Just six per cent said they had been able to take a day’s leave to do Christmas shopping during the working week.

Some respondents described being penalised for personal circumstances, with one worker saying they had an hour’s pay deducted for attending a funeral.

Stacey Booth, GMB national officer, said the findings should “horrify” the public.

“It’s fair to say most people will be shocked that the people we rely on to look after and educate our children are so badly paid that they’re worried about feeding their own families at Christmas,” she said.

“It’s a tragic indictment of what we value as a society, and how for generations the work done largely by women has been systematically undervalued.

“From chronically low pay and term-time-only wages, to daily abuse, violence and the inability to take time off outside school holidays, school support staff face a relentless list of workplace problems.”

She added that the reintroduction of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, promised by a future Labour government in 2026, would be “absolutely vital” and must be delivered in full.

NADOLIG LLAWEN.  

At this special time of year, I want to send my warmest wishes for a peaceful and joyful Christmas to you all. 

Wherever you are and however you’re marking the season, I hope you find space to pause, reflect and spend precious moments with those you love. 

Christmas is a chance to come together with family, friends and neighbours – to share laughter, good food, and the simple comfort of being in each other’s company. 

I hope you are able to enjoy those moments and find time to rest and recharge with your loved ones. 

To those who will be working over the festive period, I want to say diolch o galon – my heartfelt thanks. 

From our emergency services and the NHS staff, to our social care teams, transport workers and everyone who keep essential services running – thank you for everything you do to keep us safe and keep Wales moving at this time of year. Your dedication and service are deeply appreciated. 

And to the thousands of volunteers who give their time so generously – supporting foodbanks, checking in on neighbours, organising community events, or simply offering kindness where it’s needed most – you embody the true spirit of Christmas. 

Your compassion strengthens our communities and reminds us what Wales does best – we care. 

We also know that Christmas can be a lonely or difficult time for some. Many of us will be missing a loved one. If you can do one thing this festive season, let it be to reach out – a phone call, a visit, or a few kind words can make a world of difference to someone who may be struggling.