BLUNDERING private security guards appeared to lock themselves in their van in Aberystwyth town centre — apparently with cash boxes left outside.

Passers-by had a shock at lunchtime last Wednesday when they heard a loud alarm announcement, which said the driver was in trouble and to call the police, coming from a G4S van parked on the corner of Baker Street and Great Darkgate Street.

Speaking to the Cambrian News, one witness described the bizarre scenes which happened at around 12.30pm, when many people were on their lunch break.

“I heard — and I think most of Aber heard it as well — an alarm announcement which said ‘call the police. The driver needs assistance’,” said John Radcliffe.

“I saw the driver in the driving seat and the other person was presumably in the back of the van.

“The boxes, which were presumably used to carry cash, were attached to the van by a strap, and the doors were shut at that stage. There were quite a few other people taking pictures. I don’t think anyone had actually called the police.”

After a few minutes, Mr Radcliffe said bank staff came out and let the beleaguered security guards out.

“It appeared they had locked themselves inside the van,” added Mr Radcliffe.

“The driver was just sat in the driver’s seat. He looked embarrassed because he couldn’t do anything and this automatic message was going off.

“When the door opened, the chap came out and just carried on as usual.”

The police said they were not called to the incident. Santander denied cash was being delivered to or collected from its branch.

G4S did not comment.