A PONTYPOOL car manufacturer says he is leaving the country and moving his business to Poland after thieves took more than £40,000 of equipment in a midnight raid.

Tuesday night's raid on the Jockey Garage, Usk Road, was the tenth burglary from the premises in as many years and the eighth theft in the last two months.

Manager Paul Chapman, 44, of George Street, Pontypool, said he is 'sick and fed up' of being a victim of crime.

"I want out of this country," he said.

"I simply can't afford the theft insurance and we can't afford to keep losing so much. I have tried to provide local employment for local people, but I've had enough of this. I'm moving to Poland where the crime rate is lower."

Mr Chapman has run the business since 1991, and employs ten staff, who now face losing their jobs.

As well carrying out car repairs the Jockey is the only car manufacturer in Gwent.

The £17,500 LCD Hawke sports car, designed by Mr Chapman, is made at the premises.

He has sold a number in Poland and knows distributors there who could help his business.

But Torfaen council's deputy leader Lewis Jones appealed for Mr Chapman to reconsider.

"This is a very successful business and to see it go would be a sad loss for Pontypool," said Councillor Jones.

"It is a great concern to see a long-standing business like that considering leaving because of crime. I would ask the owner to reconsider and invite him to talk to the council to see if we can help."

Police said Tuesday night's break-in was a 'carefully planned' raid.

Thieves cut the phone lines before covering the CCTV cameras with blankets. Expanding foam was sprayed in the alarm box to silence it and sensors inside were smashed.

A large amount of specialist tools and equipment was stolen, which Mr Chapman values at more than £40,000.

Detective Superintendent Ieuan Watkins of Pontypool CID said the raid had caused considerable distress to Mr Chapman

Anyone with information should contact Pontypool CID on 01495 764711.