A young man has avoided immediate imprisonment despite involvement in a ram raid targeting a Powys business that had been operating for nine decades, causing over £20,000 in combined losses and destruction.
Chase Bishop, now 19, joined two others in targeting the Webbs department store in Crickhowell during the early hours of July 23 the previous year. The group made off with garden equipment and home electrical products worth over £6,000.
Beyond the stolen goods, the three perpetrators inflicted more than £14,000 in damage to the premises after using a stolen Jaguar F-Pace to smash into the building.
At the time of the offence, Bishop was 18. He admitted to a single count of burglary at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court in February.
The matter was referred to Merthyr Crown Court, where Recorder Dyfed Llion Thomas on Thursday, March 26, described Bishop’s behaviour as thoroughly condemnable.
The prosecution outlined how Dyfed-Powys Police received a report on July 23 indicating that Webbs was being targeted by two individuals. CCTV footage from the Bear Hotel identified a white Jaguar F-Pace connected to the incident. The vehicle arrived on Crickhowell High Street at 1am and was driven directly into the shop front. Two individuals exited the car, employed bolt cutters to break through glass and a chain, and entered the premises. They loaded tools into the vehicle while a third person remained behind the wheel providing assistance. The Jaguar subsequently departed toward Brecon, and the owner later reported the vehicle had been stolen from his residence.
Goods taken included four pressure washers, a hedge trimmer, several strimmers, chainsaws, and two leaf blowers. Over £6,000 in merchandise was taken, with damage to the store exceeding £14,000, bringing total losses to £20,850. Neither the items nor the vehicle were ever recovered. Forensic examination found blood on shelving that matched the defendant, who was taken into custody in September. No other arrests have been made, and the defendant declined to identify his companions.
Recorder Dyfed Llion Thomas informed Bishop that his actions were thoroughly condemnable. In a victim impact statement, owner Peter Webb, representing the third generation of the family that founded the business in 1936, described the shop as a small family business that had traded for nine decades without experiencing anything comparable. The attack caused extensive damage and psychological harm to the family. The local community was left distressed and anxious about similar incidents occurring elsewhere. The necessary repairs created substantial financial pressure on a modest family business operating on narrow profit margins. The emotional toll proved severe, particularly for his parents, aged 81 and 76, who collectively had dedicated 125 years to running the company. The family had built everything from nothing through commitment and effort. The experience left them traumatised, disrupted their operations, and undermined their sense of safety and security.
Bishop has one prior conviction, for drug driving from November 2025. His barrister Zoe Laugharne noted his youth, minimal record, and genuine remorse. She explained that Bishop claimed he did not know about the full scope of criminal activity planned and was unaware tools were in the vehicle beforehand. She observed he had fallen in with unsuitable associates, a mistake he acknowledged while seeking to progress with his life. He had employment arranged and had finished a training programme, though this opportunity faced jeopardy if he received a custodial sentence. He had family support, with his mother present in court. He provides care for his mother, who requires a transplant and faces kidney and liver complications, attending weekly blood transfusions with her. Witnessing her difficulties had affected his mental wellbeing.
Recorder Thomas responded that the claim of unknowing involvement in a stolen vehicle or ignorance of criminal scope was rejected. Bishop was a willing participant who burgled a business founded through generations of family dedication. His conduct caused substantial loss, distress, and anxiety. While custody was thoroughly deserved, the court was barely persuaded, given his age, impact on his family, and genuine rehabilitation prospects, to suspend the sentence. Bishop received a 14-month custodial term suspended for two years, must complete 15 rehabilitation activity days, perform 180 hours of community service, and pay £150 in costs.