One of the damaged Land Rovers. Photo: Llanberis MRT

A mountain rescue team has been put out of action after thieves damaged three of its vehicles.

Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, one of the busiest in the country, cannot respond to emergencies because their vehicles are unusable.

The team’s patch includes Snowdon, the most popular hillwalking destination in Wales and scene of numerous callouts.

Criminals hit two of the team’s Land Rovers and another vehicle while they were parked at its rescue headquarters in Nant Peris.

Its rescuers were praised for their exceptional bravery on Sunday when they put their lives at risk to save swimmers in difficulty during an incident in which two men died.

A team spokesperson said: “Following the sad events of the weekend we are disheartened to report that all three of our vehicles have been disabled after an attempted theft of the vehicle doors.

“The perpetrators have also cut through a number of wiring looms in an attempt to disable the vehicle alarms.

“We are now having to rely on neighbouring teams for vehicular support as we have been left in a position where we are unable to deploy team members or equipment.”

The wiring loom has been cut on the vehicles. Photo: Llanberis MRT

North Wales Police appealed for information about the incident. A police spokesperson said: “Between midday yesterday, Monday, 8 June, and midday today all bolts which secured both front and rear passenger doors were removed from two Land Rover Discovery vehicles – with one rear door being left on the floor.

“The door of the third vehicle had also been forced open from where the vehicles were all parked at the mountain rescue team base in Nant Peris.

“It was also established that the battery cables on all three vehicles had been cut, immobilising them.

“Police inquiries are ongoing and crime scene investigators have also attended the scene.”

PC Mark Owen, based in Caernarfon police station, said: “Mountain rescue teams provide an invaluable service to the public in the Snowdonia area who fall or get into difficulties.

“As a result of the damage members of Llanberis MRT were not in a position to be deployed to any emergency situation and it is by chance that no emergency calls have been received today requiring their assistance.”

“I appeal to anyone who has information relating to the damage, saw any suspicious activity around the vehicles in the Nant Peris area or saw the damage being caused to contact us immediately on 101 quoting reference number S083209.”
People can contact also contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information on 0800 555 111.

Any members of the public wishing to help the Llanberis team with a donation can do so via the Llanberis MRT website.