A CWMBRAN businesswoman has been left devastated after her catering trailer was targeted by thieves for the third time in a year.

Elizabeth Haynes, 45, owner of Lizzy’s Catering Trailer on Llantarnam Road, Cwmbran, was gearing up to celebrate the business’s 20th anniversary when she discovered thieves had attempted to break through the roof of the trailer.

She said: “This is the third time in a year. What they have stolen in the past hasn’t been a massive amount – just chocolate and cans, but it is the damage they do. To repair the roof so many times has cost us £2,000.”

Mrs Haynes, who is also a Torfaen councillor but is speaking here in a private capacity, said thieves broke in around April last year gaining access through the roof, with thieves later breaking in January this year stealing cans and chocolate, before returning again over the Bank Holiday weekend of May 26.

Ms Haynes is worried this may be the last straw for the business which should be celebrating its 20th anniversary.

“This is a small, local, family-run business that supports other locals and businesses; supports the community and cares about its customers in a way the big boys don’t,” she said via Facebook.

“Why continue to break in and affect financial viability? Why are you putting local people’s jobs at risk? "

The business which has three long-standing members of staff, will have to pay £500 for the latest damage. Anyone who can assist with cost effective CCTV and alarm, email elizabeth.haynes@btinternet.com