ELDERLY residents may miss out on going to the supermarket and their WVS Lunch this week thanks to the 'thoughtless and selfish' actions of thieves in the area.

Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern's minibus was targeted by criminals for the second time in three years, with its catalytic converter and exhaust stolen.

The vehicle is stored an locked in a secure compound but it was still targeted between 4pm on Wednesday, July 8, and 9am on Thursday, July 9.

It is believed it will be off the road for at least a week.

The minibus, which is run for the benefit of members of the community, is used to take elderly residents to the supermarket, giving a degree of independence. It also takes them to the WVS Lunch on Fridays, and to various clubs and activities in Dinas Powys.

DPVC says it is trying to arrange alternative transport for those in need but that it is sure local residents will understand the problems this "thoughtless, selfish action has caused to those who need our help most".

Chris Franks, a local councillor, said the organisation has to consider hiring a replacement whilst their minibus is off the road as so many people rely on the service. They have had to cancel bookings for the next week after the £1,000 plus-worth parts were stolen.

Cllr Franks said: "The DPVC usually raises about £800 from some of the bigger events such as the quiz and that has been wiped out in one fell swoop."

Police in the area say there has been a rise in the theft of catalytic converters in recent months in the area. Mercedes Sprinter Vans are among the most commonly targeted vehicles but the problem is not exclusive to this type.

Thieves are quickly able to remove the catalytic converters from the vehicle and, whilst the cost of replacement of the unit itself may not seem high, owners can be left with expensive repair bills due to the additional damage being done to the vehicles during the theft.

Police encourage people to park their vans in locked garage and if that’s not possible, park it in a busy well lit area as close to your property as possible and tell your neighbours to be aware of any suspicious activity around your van.

Police advise all owners of Mercedes Sprinter Vans to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to them on 101.