**Police Appeal for Information After Sweet Shop Burglary Leaves Skewen Community Reeling**
South Wales Police have issued an appeal to the public for assistance in identifying two men linked to a burglary at a much-loved sweets shop in Neath Port Talbot. The incident, which left the independent family-run business dealing with significant damage, has sparked concern and sadness among local residents and business owners.
The burglary occurred at Sweet Delights, a retro sweet shop on New Road, Skewen, during the early hours of Friday, 21 March 2025. The break-in, reported around 2:15am, resulted in substantial harm to the shop’s exterior, including a smashed window and a damaged door mechanism, as offenders forced their way into the property.
Ashley Couch, who operates Sweet Delights alongside his partner Rebecca, described the emotional toll the crime has had on their family and the wider community. In a reflection shared shortly after the incident, Mr Couch recalled being alerted by a local delivery driver. “At around 7am, I received a call from a man making deliveries in the area who told me our windows were smashed. We rushed straight there and immediately saw the devastation. As a small family business built from the ground up, it was heartbreaking to see everything undone overnight,” he said.
The shop, which opened its doors in February 2023, has become a staple for those seeking nostalgia and a taste of traditional retro sweets such as Swansea mixture and sherbet pips. The incident’s impact was felt not just by the owners, but also by the local children, many of whom worried the cherished shop would close permanently. Mr Couch commented, “The children walking past that morning, some before school, were in tears thinking their sweet shop had gone for good.”
Sweet Delights has cultivated a loyal following in the Skewen community, with many locals expressing support for the business in the aftermath of the crime. “People love coming here as it reminds them of their own childhoods. You don’t find many sweet shops like this, where you can get your favourites straight from the jar,” Mr Couch noted, highlighting the shop’s unique appeal in the modern high street landscape.
Police are now eager to speak with two men captured on CCTV near the shop around the time of the burglary. Despite the limited resolution of the footage, detectives hope the men’s general appearance, as well as a vehicle seen nearby, could jog the memory of someone in the area. In a statement posted to their official Facebook page, the force reiterates their ongoing investigation: “Officers continue to investigate this case and are appealing for any new information. Anyone who recognises the individuals or the vehicle is asked to get in touch.”
No arrests have been made in connection with the incident so far, and officers are urging anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to come forward by calling 101 and quoting reference number 2500089261.
The damage to Sweet Delights’ façade is expected to cost thousands to repair, demonstrating the potentially devastating financial impact such crimes can have on small businesses. Beyond the monetary loss, the emotional effect lingers, particularly in close-knit communities where local shops like Sweet Delights serve as gathering points and sources of shared memories.
Police stress the importance of community cooperation to solve crimes of this nature, reminding the public that even small details can prove crucial in piecing together events and bringing offenders to justice. As the Sweet Delights team works to restore their shop, their resilience and the support shown by Skewen residents stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of local enterprise.
Anyone able to assist the police with their inquiries is encouraged to reach out as soon as possible, as swift action may help prevent further incidents and ensure that Sweet Delights and similar shops continue to bring joy to future generations.