Crime
Shoplifting is soaring in Wales, retail union Usdaw warns
THE RETAIL trade union Usdaw has voiced deep concern following today’s release of police crime statistics, which reveal sharp increases in shoplifting across Welsh constabulary areas for the year ending June 2024. The data shows that shoplifting has surged across England and Wales, continuing a post-pandemic trend with a 29% increase – the highest rate seen in two decades.
The Office for National Statistics reports a 33% rise in shoplifting across Wales, with individual constabularies showing significant spikes:
- Dyfed-Powys: 19%
- Gwent: 43%
- North Wales: 9%
- South Wales: 42%
Usdaw’s annual survey in 2023 of over 5,500 retail workers uncovered that 60% had experienced violence, threats, or abuse related to shoplifting and robbery incidents.
Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis said: “Retail stores are increasingly targeted by organised crime gangs, who often use weapons and intimidation to carry out theft. This is far from a victimless crime – repeated incidents of shoplifting lead to anxiety, fear, and sometimes physical harm for retail workers. The current rise in shoplifting is yet another indicator that we’re facing an epidemic of retail crime.”
Usdaw welcomed the newly elected Labour Government’s commitment to tackling retail crime, noting key policies in their legislative agenda aimed at safeguarding shop workers. Lillis continued: “We’re encouraged by proposed measures such as protection for shop workers, an end to the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, and additional funding for uniformed patrols and town centre banning orders for repeat offenders. These steps are vital to ensuring shop workers receive the respect and protection they deserve.”
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
Crime
Sex offender jailed for breaching court order
A SEX offender from Wolfscastle has been jailed after using fake names on WhatsApp and attempting to access a social media app, breaching his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
Luke Rogers, 38, was sentenced to 10 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to two breaches of the order, which was imposed following his 2020 conviction for sexual activity with a child.
Under the SHPO, Rogers was prohibited from using unregistered internet-enabled devices or creating online profiles under false names. Prosecutor Ryan Bowen told the court that police monitoring software installed on Rogers’ phone detected activity in group chats under three aliases last November.
Further investigation revealed Rogers had also searched for the MeetMe app on four occasions and admitted using it. Rogers, described by Mr. Bowen as “apologetic,” was arrested, and his phone was seized.
The court heard Rogers has a history of 17 convictions for 35 offences, including breaching court orders and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.
Defence barrister Olivia Rose said Rogers had cooperated fully with police and expressed a desire to change. She argued that his breaches stemmed from a misunderstanding about permitted names and emphasized his efforts to seek support.
Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Catherine Richards noted Rogers’ pattern of reoffending and stated: “The reality is I can only pass an immediate custodial sentence.”
She expressed hope that Rogers would take advantage of post-sentence supervision to break the cycle of offending.
Crime
Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are renewing their appeal for information to locate Darren Markes, 46, from Pembroke Dock. He is wanted in connection with a domestic assault.
Markes is believed to have links to the Portsmouth and Sussex areas.
If you have seen Darren Markes or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the police through one of the following methods:
- Online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 101
You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers:
- Phone: 0800 555 111
- Website: crimestoppers-uk.org
Please quote reference number 24*944729 when providing information.
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