Delivery drivers are being urged to take extra care to prevent being the victims of crime in the run up to Christmas after an attempted robbery in Synod Inn.

The warning comes after it emerged that an incident that launched an armed police search in south Ceredigion earlier this month was an attempted robbery of a delivery driver.

Police launched a search for a suspect following the attempted robbery at around 10.50am on Tuesday, 8 December, in a layby on the A487 between Plwmp and Synod Inn.

The search was carried out involving officers, armed response and the NPAS helicopter.

Officers remained in the area on the Wednesday, but no arrests have yet been made.

Police said that delivery drivers should take extra precautions after a second incident in Llanelli, which saw multiple parcels stolen from a stationary van.

Chief Insp Jolene Mann said the incidents served as a reminder that people need to be on their guards.

“This Christmas lots of people are shopping online and expecting parcels in the coming days,” she said.

“Our message to delivery drivers is to take extra care to avoid falling victim to criminals.

“Simple things can prevent you losing out.

“For example, never leave your keys in the vehicle and always lock the doors when it is unattended.

“If you pull over for a break, try to find somewhere that isn’t isolated and lock your doors.”

Police released a description of a man they are keen to speak to in their ongoing investigation in Synod Inn, who was believed to have been in the area at the time.

He is described as around 20 years old, 6ft tall, slight build, with dark complexion and short blonde/light hair.

He was wearing a green parka jacket with dark coloured jeans which had faded patches.

Police said they would also like to hear from anyone who was travelling the A487 in either direction between Pentregat and Synod Inn between 10am and 11.30am who might have seen this man walking, or has dash cam footage that may have captured him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police via online at bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, email at [email protected], or phone on 101.