AN empty Llanelli pub has been targeted by metal thieves, who made off with copper piping and a tank.

And the former landlord of The Royal Oak, in Bryn, has said it was just a matter of time before the vacant pub became easy prey for criminals.

The building was broken into sometime 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 he wasn't surprised by what had happened.

"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."

Just weeks after the pub closed last summer it was the target of a suspected arson attack, which could have destroyed the building if a neighbour had not called the emergency services in time.

And Mr Davies said many residents had voiced complaints about the state of the pub.

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

St Michael's School head teacher Daniel Sheehan, who hopes to turn the building into an early learning centre, has thanked neighbours for their efforts in looking out for crime.

"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."

Sergeant Eddie Donnelly added: "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."