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Stay at home, urges Pembrokeshire County Council

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OFFICERS leading Pembrokeshire’s response to Covid-19 are urging everyone to stay home unless absolutely necessary.

It follows news that positive cases in Pembrokeshire increased by more than 30% in the week ending 7th January.

The county recorded 316 new positive tests for the virus from 1st to 7th January.

This compares to 240 new positive tests in Pembrokeshire during the previous week.

“This is a really difficult time in the pandemic and Pembrokeshire is not immune,” said Darren Thomas, helping to lead the Covid-19 response at Pembrokeshire County Council.

“We are working hard to try and help keep people safe, and work with our partners to roll out the biggest vaccination programme we have ever seen.

“But I cannot stress enough: The virus is active within our communities and Covid positive rates are increasing.

“Do not mix with others – even outdoors – and do not go anywhere unnecessarily. Please stay at home.”

He said the Council are very concerned that some people may still be going about their day-to-day lives as if nothing was happening.

“We are very aware this situation will be frustrating and worrying to many people, but the choice is a grim one. This virus is a killer. It can kill you, your family and your friends.

“But if you stay at home, you remove the risk. Please follow the rules.”

The Leader of the Council, Cllr David Simpson, thanked everyone in Pembrokeshire who are diligently following the rules.

“We’re really grateful to you,” he said. “You are making a difference. Thank you.”

But, he said, some people’s behaviour needed to change.

“Please phone your friends and family instead of visiting them. Please shop less frequently.

“Start and end your exercise from your home – do not drive to do exercise or visit local beauty spots. They will still be here for you once we’re out of lockdown.”

Cllr Simpson added: “It is already an extremely stressful time for the doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff in Pembrokeshire.

“Please do not be the cause of someone ending up in critical care at Withybush Hospital. Please don’t be the cause of a family losing a loved one.

“We cannot over-emphasise this message: Stay at home.”

The Council’s message is in line with the Welsh Government, whose rules under the current Alert Level 4 are as follows:

Only go out to:

  • Shop for essentials
  • Work, if you can’t from home
  • Exercise locally – but do not drive to exercise

But remember to:

  • Keep 2m distance
  • Wash hands
  • Wear a mask, where needed

If you are shielding, self-isolating or just need some help, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Community Hub is there for you. Staff can help with shopping, collecting prescriptions, having a supportive chat on the phone, signposting you to other helpful organisations, and more.

Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet member for Social Services, said: “We understand that these are unsettling times for many people but my message is simple: please don’t be afraid to ask for help.
“The Hub was specifically set up to help Pembrokeshire people throughout the pandemic and the staff are ready and waiting to do what they can to support you through these difficult times.”
For those who are online, the web pages contain some useful information, including a directory of community support: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/communityhub
The Hub can be contacted on 01437 776301 or emailing [email protected]

At present the Community Hub’s hours are Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

 

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

 

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Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

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Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

 

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News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

 

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