A MOBILE DJ has refused to bow down to thieves, who stole around £4,000 worth of musical equipment from the back of his van.

Matt Lane, from Mardy, near Abergavenny runs AM Discos, AM Kids and Matt Lane Wedding DJ as well as being one half of Blues Brothers tribute act Brother of Blues.

On Tuesday, his van was broken into while he was eating a meal at the Brewers Fayre, near Llanfoist at around 10.20pm.

“They took all of my DJ equipment and they even took my suit which I used for my Blues Brothers tribute act,” said the 30-year-old.

“I didn’t even realise until I got to the lock-up as I don’t keep anything in the van overnight. I was shocked to see that everything was gone except for the framework.”

The DJ believes that the thieves damaged the lock to his van door and gained access to the vehicle, leaving behind footprints in the snow.

He added: “It had hit me more than just financially, I’m feeling very stressed at the moment and I have hardly slept for the past two nights.

“There is a chance that some of these items may be sold in the local area and I want to make it as difficult for these people, whoever they are, as possible if they think they can make some money from my misfortune.”

Mr Lane added that since the incident, he has been overwhelmed at the support shown by fellow DJ, musicians and the people of Abergavenny who have all offered him support.

“I am very fortunate though that since the incident, I have received a lot of support from other DJs and musicians, as well as people in Abergavenny,” he said.

The DJ is confident that despite the setback, he will not have to cancel any of his bookings during the next few weeks.

“The incident won’t affect my current bookings as I do have equipment to use so I will be able to fulfil all my jobs and I won’t have to cancel any,” said Mr Lane.

“But obviously, it is not nice for something like this to happen before Christmas.”

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “We received a report that a vehicle had been broken into in the car park of a hotel on Merthyr Road in Abergavenny.

“The break is thought to have happened between 9.45pm and 10.45pm and DJ equipment and a laptop with a combined value of approximately £4,000 was taken.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting log reference 512 12/12/17.