Brecon Beacons speed cameras vandalised using power tools

Vandals with power tools have been attacking speed cameras on a popular mid Wales route - causing nearly £200,000 of damage.

Dyfed-Powys Police is appealing for information after speed cameras were damaged on the A4069 Black Mountain Pass between Brynamman and Llangadog.

The incidents took place on five occasions between February and December 2024 and included damage to the solar power source as well as batteries stolen.

The average speed cameras were installed after three people were killed on the road and 37 injured between from 2013 to 2023. All of these were within a four-mile section of road that the cameras are installed on.

Since the cameras were put up there have been no recorded injuries. They were installed using public money at a cost of £250,000. Since they were destroyed the road has once again become high-risk to people using it and it’s estimated to cost another £180,000 to fix the damage and make it safe.

GoSafe’s Partnership Manager, Chief Inspector Gareth Morgan, said: “Early signs for this scheme have been very positive and nobody has been killed or injured since they were installed. At a time where the public purse is stretched, these senseless acts increase risk and the burden on the local authority who installed the cameras.

“Whilst there may be a small proportion of society who think that this is acceptable, it is important to remember that these cameras were installed following deaths on this road. Collisions cause trauma and heartache for friends and families who have lost loved ones. This vandalism and theft raises the risk of another tragic incident on this road.”

Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.