A MAN says the theft of his works van and tools has taken away his livelihood.

Electrician Michael Callow, 33, was withdrawing money from a cashpoint in Risca's Commercial Street when he believes the thief pickpocketed his van keys.

When the father-of-three from Cross Keys turned around his silver Renault Traffic van had disappeared along with around £3,000 in tools, invoices and his business diary.

At first he thought it might have been one of his pals playing a practical joke on him but soon realised there wasn't going to be a funny side.