A VAN was dramatically boxed in by police cars and its three occupants arrested following two separate thefts in Aberystwyth yesterday.

Police have confirmed that three men from Sunderland were arrested on suspicion of theft after a van left without paying for fuel at a garage in Aberystwyth. Registration plates were also stolen from another van in Llanfarian.

Ceredigion Road Policing Unit informed its followers on Twitter at 9.54pm on Tuesday night that a van was located on the A470 near Llanidloes and “caused to stop and boxed in”.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Police are investigating two allegations of theft which occurred between 6pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday, 26 July.

“A vehicle made off without paying for fuel from a garage in Aberstwyth and the number plates on a van were stolen whilst it was parked in Llanfarian, Aberystwyth. The incidents are believed to be linked.

“Three men from the Sunderland area have been arrested on suspicion of theft and released on bail pending further police enquiries.”