METAL thieves have raided an empty Llanelli pub, making off with copper piping and a tank.

The Royal Oak, in Bryn, was targeted by thieves on the hunt for scrap metal.

The pub's former landlord said it was only a matter of time before the vacant building became easy prey for criminals.

The pub was broken into between 5pm on Friday, January 20 and 9.30am on Monday, January 23, say police, who are urging neighbours to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.

Former landlord Craig Davies, who had to leave the pub when it was bought by neighbouring St Michael's School, said it was unsurprising that the thieves struck.

"This is exactly what I knew would happen," he said.

"It looks messy and derelict there and it is a prime target for vandals, underage drinking, antisocial behaviour and theft.

"I felt all along that the neighbours and the people of the Bryn were going to suffer if the pub was left empty — those people have lived there all their lives.

"The pub was a part of the community and now it's a wreck. This is just the start of it."

The pub was bought by St Michael's School last summer despite huge protest from the community.

Just weeks after the last pint was pulled the pub was the target of a suspected arson attack.

The blaze could have razed the building to the ground if not for the swift actions of a neighbour in calling the emergency services, said Mr Davies.

He said many residents had voiced complaints about the state of the boarded-up pub since the incident.

"I'm still in touch with a lot of our old regulars," he said, "and they all say how terrible it looks."

While police appeal for residents to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour at the pub, St Michael's School head teacher Daniel Sheehan thanked neighbours for their efforts so far.

"The Royal Oak has been set on fire twice and broken into on numerous occasions," he said. "However, each time we have been informed by our vigilant neighbours.

"We are extremely grateful to many of the kind Bryn residents who have reported these events to us."

Dyfed-Powys Police sergeant Eddie Donnelly said: "This property has been empty for some time and would seem to be a target for thieves. I'd ask nearby residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious events at the pub to police by ringing us at Llwynhendy Police Station on 101."