**Man Jailed After Daring Daylight Theft of £80,000 Candelabra From Cyfarthfa Castle**
In an audacious act that left a community shocked, a man was caught on camera stealing a valuable candelabra worth approximately £80,000 from the historic Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil. The theft took place in broad daylight, during an event attended by local primary schoolchildren, judges, and distinguished guests.
The incident occurred on 8 April, when Tyson Wilsher, 31, entered the castle under the pretence of being a guest. As primary schoolchildren showcased their projects as part of a special event, Wilsher brazenly made his way to the prestigious Crawshay Room. Without regard for the many onlookers—including the young pupils—he smashed the glass of a display cabinet using a brick and seized the expensive candelabra, causing extensive damage to the structure and other valuable artefacts inside.
Eyewitnesses were left stunned by the speed and boldness of the theft, which was reportedly executed within moments. Wilsher then fled the castle grounds in a silver Ford, which was captured on a nearby car’s dashcam as it sped through the car park’s entrance in a manner that defied the site’s one-way system. The incident resulted in immediate concern for the safety and security arrangements at one of Wales’ most cherished heritage sites.
On the day following the robbery, a breakthrough came when the owner of Sole Mate, a shoe shop in nearby Pontmorlais, contacted South Wales Police via their online chat facility. The shop owner had seen a police Facebook appeal featuring images of the suspect, and recognised a pair of distinctive shoes that he believed he had sold to Wilsher just days earlier. This tip provided vital evidence, helping officers link the suspect to the castle theft.
Later the same day, South Wales Police discovered the stolen silver Ford in the Bryn Mair area of Dowlais. Forensic experts found Wilsher’s fingerprints inside the vehicle, strengthening the case against him. Subsequent investigation also revealed CCTV footage showing Wilsher’s activities in the local area over a period extending from late March until the date of the crime in early April. Among the evidence, police identified footage of Wilsher purchasing the trousers and shoes he was seen wearing during the theft, as well as images of him buying clothing in a local Aldi.
Further enquiries revealed that the Ford vehicle had been stolen on 24 March, after a delivery driver briefly left it running with the keys inside. Wilsher was soon found to be in possession of the stolen car, connecting him to not only the theft at the castle, but also to the original vehicle theft.
The man was finally brought to justice on 15 July at Teesside Crown Court, where he was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for a combination of offences: theft, receiving stolen goods, and criminal damage. His address was listed as Barlestone Road, Bagworth.
Speaking after the verdict, Sergeant Watts of South Wales Police remarked: “This was a brazen theft in broad daylight, that left a group of schoolchildren shocked and upset. Through the work of the investigation team, we were able to identify Tyson Wilsher and bring him to justice. Wilsher’s actions show he believed he was above the law and didn’t care about how his actions impacted the venue. I’m pleased to see the sentence determined by the courts.”
This event has prompted further discussion about the need for stringent security measures at historical sites that regularly host public events, particularly when children are present. The quick response of law enforcement, coupled with the assistance of members of the public, proved instrumental in ensuring that the individual responsible was swiftly tracked down and prosecuted.
The crime has left a lasting mark on the community and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting the nation’s heritage assets from opportunistic criminal acts. Authorities continue to urge members of the public to report any information that could assist in recovering stolen property or preventing future incidents.