**Police Launch Urgent Appeal Amid Intensified Search for Missing Penrhiwceiber Man**
Police in South Wales have stepped up their search efforts for Steven Smith, a 52-year-old resident of Penrhiwceiber, Mountain Ash, who disappeared earlier this week. Detectives have issued a pressing call for anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV or doorbell recordings to come forward, as concerns for Steven’s welfare escalate.
Steven was last seen on the morning of Tuesday, 20th May. According to a statement from South Wales Police, newly released CCTV images show him leaving his home on Vaughan Terrace at 10:48am, getting into his distinctive white Peugeot Boxer van, which carries the registration number CE68 TNV. Within minutes, at 10:51am, he is captured on video entering Jaz, a local convenience store situated on Church Street in Penrhiwceiber.
Subsequent footage reveals that after visiting the shop, Steven returned briefly to his garage at the rear of Vaughan Terrace at 10:57am. He was observed driving away in the van again before 11:33am, this time heading towards Abercynon. Around 11:46am, cameras picked up his vehicle travelling along Abercynon Road, proceeding in the direction of Penrhiwceiber, before he made a left turn onto Cemetery Road.
The timeline released by police offers a crucial insight into Steven’s last known movements, though his current whereabouts remain unknown. Investigators are focusing on the window between 10:45am and 11pm that day, highlighting it as a significant period for anyone who may have seen Steven or his van. They are particularly urging motorists with dashcam footage who travelled through Vaughan Terrace, Church Street, Abercynon Road or Cemetery Road during this period to review their recordings and share any relevant material.
Authorities have also made a special appeal to households and businesses in these areas. A police spokesperson explained, “We are reaching out to anyone who may possess doorbell camera or additional private CCTV footage, especially those located on Cemetery Road, as this could be vital in tracing Steven’s movements after he was last seen.”
Images released by officers show Steven wearing a dark t-shirt—either black or navy—and dark shorts. Notably, he appears to have been carrying a grey or possibly green rucksack when last captured on video.
The disappearance has prompted local concern, with police reinforcing the message that any information, no matter how small it may seem, could prove crucial. “If you believe you have seen Steven, his van, or have any footage or details pertaining to his whereabouts, please get in touch immediately,” said the police spokesperson. Members of the public are asked to reference occurrence number 2500160057 when contacting the authorities.
This incident underscores the essential role that public vigilance and technology—such as dashcams and residential CCTV—play in contemporary missing person investigations. By widening the net for information, police increase the chances of bringing Steven home safely.
Anyone who believes they can assist in the search is encouraged to contact South Wales Police using their standard reporting channels. The force, meanwhile, has not commented on the potential circumstances of Steven’s disappearance but has made it clear that their appeal remains urgent and ongoing.
For community members following the case, updates will be provided as the investigation develops. The thoughts of many in Mountain Ash and the wider South Wales community remain with Steven’s family in this concerning period.