CRIMINALS have been branded as “heartless” after the riding equipment of two sisters aged five and 14 was stolen from a Penmaenpool stable.

On Wednesday or Thursday of last week, thieves broke into a shed and stripped it of over £2,000 worth of equipment belonging to Erin Fflur Mason, aged five, and 14-year-old Cari Mason.

The mean-spirited thieves stole everything in the shed, including saddles, hats and bridles, and Erin Fflur’s rosettes and hand-made pictures which she had won in the last few weeks.

The girls’ mother Ceris Williams was distraught.

She said: “We were all very disappointed when we found out. Whoever did this managed to break through padlocks and a reinforced shed to get to the girls’ equipment.

“It’s been horrible for them, they’ve been struggling to sleep because they’re worried someone is going to take their horses - which were fortunately left unharmed.

“Erin didn’t want to go to the shed either, she’s worried that someone is still going to be there, it’s been horrible.

Robert Mason, Erin and Cari’s father, has offered a reward for the safe return of the stolen tack or any information leading to the return of the missing sporting goods.

See the full story in today’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News