National Trust beach huts at iconic Welsh beach looted by thieves
A mass break-in at beach huts in Gwynedd has led to calls for improved security. Hirers were left shocked when they returned to Llanbedrog beach on the Llŷn Peninsula to find their huts had been looted and doors forced open.
North Wales Police (NWP) have launched an investigation after around 10 beach huts were broken into. The items that were taken are said to be of relatively low value.
National Trust Cymru, which purchased a large portion of the beach back in 2000, rents out approximately 70 huts on a first-come-first-serve basis. The £450 hire costs are set to increase next year as a 20% VAT is being added.
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The Trust expressed its disappointment over the break-ins and has been in contact with those affected. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
The NWP Gwynedd South team is now appealing for any witnesses. A spokesperson stated: "Unfortunately, we've also had reports on the morning of September 7 of damage that's been caused to approximately 10 beach huts in the area of Llanbedrog.", reports North Wales Live.
"It's reported that overnight unknown people have damaged doors and taken items from the huts. If you were in the area and aware of who may have been responsible for this damage, please get in touch quoting reference 24000772904."
On Saturday morning, hirers hurried to the beach to check if their huts had been damaged. Online, some reported minimal or no theft, while others mentioned chairs had been taken and abandoned on the beach. Most agreed that the incident has brought the 2024 season to a "sad end".
One woman commented: "A few things damaged. Nothing of big financial (value) is kept in there anyway but it's not the point, is it? " Another said: "Absolutely disgusting behaviour. What is wrong with people? " Meanwhile, a third expressed their frustration: "Why oh why do people think it is acceptable to do this? Very upsetting for the people who own the beach huts."
Some of those hiring the huts have voiced their concern, suggesting that more needs to be done to ensure security in the upcoming 2025 season, including potentially using CCTV. A suggestion was made online saying: "The National Trust should have more security on the beach. We will be paying even more next year because we now have to pay VAT on the rental."
Another hire added that the planning extra precautions they're planning for next year include including fitting a Ring camera.
All keys for the huts for the 2024 season had been due back by Sunday, September 8 just one day after the reported break-ins. The application window for those hoping to secure a hut for next year run from September 18-19.
In response to the break-ins, a spokesperson for National Trust Cymru stated: "We were disappointed to learn that some of our beach huts at Llanbedrog were broken into overnight on Friday. We have spoken with those affected and this incident has been reported to North Wales Police."