THE manager of a Gwent car dealership has slammed as "despicable" burglars who stole £20,000 worth of tools from its Cwmbran base - and has offered a four-figure reward.

The items, including specialist tools, were stolen overnight last Friday from the servicing and repair building at Colley Motor Group's Maendy Way premises, leaving its employees to "limp along as best we can", according to general manager Robert Jones.

The culprits also smashed up some of the premises. "We've just about managed to get by, but it really galls me that we work long hours and have a dedicated team working towards a common goal for this company and its customers, and then someone comes along and does this.

"It's despicable," said Mr Jones. "We are offering a reward of £2,000 and it is split, £1,000 for information resulting in the recovery of the tools, and £1,000 based on the successful prosecution of the people who did this.

"I just hope someone will do the decent thing, and I would ask anyone who is offered cheap car tools, or who might know who is responsible, to telephone me or the police."

Mr Jones can be contacted on 01633 482253, mobile 07941 899608. Contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111.