THE co-owner of a Cwmbran garden centre which had £23,000 worth of stock stolen says they might end up having to get rid of jobs.

Last week, the Argus reported how thieves stole stock including thousands of Yankee Candles from Sunnydale Garden Centre in Croesyceiliog at a cost of £23,000 before using their shopping baskets to carry them away.

The incident happened on Tuesday, March 31, between 12.10am and 4.20am.

Thousands of candles, of various sizes and ranging between £5 and £20, were stolen alongside other products such as candle lamp shades and air fresheners.

Gwent Police said 20 blue plastic shopping baskets were also used to take away the haul of stock from the centre, which employs around 25 people.

Philip Taylor, who shares ownership with partner Jason Samuel, says the burglary might have even more far-reaching consequences for the staff.

The 49-year-old said: “It's enough to potentially cost jobs. The people who work here have been here for years - it feels like a family. We don't want to lose jobs."

Mr Taylor says the reaction from customers and online has been "really heartwarming" and says he hopes to hear some positive news in the coming days and weeks.

If anyone has information relating to this incident, or are offered any discounted Yankee Candles in the area, they are asked to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log number 120 31/3/15.