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
Dozens of alleged litter offenders to face court in Haverfordwest
HAVERFORDWEST MAGISTRATES’ COURT will hear a series of littering cases tomorrow, with individuals from across Pembrokeshire and beyond accused of offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The cases primarily involve cigarette butts being dropped and left in public spaces, with locations spanning Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest, Tenby, Milford Haven, and other towns.
The following individuals are set to appear:
- Nathan Abbott, 30, of Hakin, Milford Haven
- Alex Austin, 49, of Malvern, Worcestershire
- Tim Benfan, 36, of Rugby, Warwickshire
- Anthony Bevan, 39, of Pembroke
- Melissa Bevan, 43, of Pembroke
- Arron Bridges, 23, of Crundale, Haverfordwest
- Daniel Brooks, 38, of Tenby
- Dale Brown, 38, of Milford Haven
- Stephen Charkes, 62, of Llanelli
- John Cotton, 60, of Ledbury, Herefordshire
- Chaves De Oliveria, 24, of London
- James William Gwyn Dewhurst, 38, of Haverfordwest
- Kevin Filer, 66, of Milford Haven
- Barry Frost, 64, of Bradford, West Yorkshire
- Andrew Griffiths, 41, of Aberdare
- Robert Jeffrey Hamblin, 42, of Pembroke
- Victoria Hodgson, 34, of Pembroke
- Gerald Maddocks, 40, of Haverfordwest
- Deana Sophia Mead, 31, of Milford Haven
- Jacqueline Niblett, 63, of Hengoed
- Micheal Raymond, 55, of Cowbridge
- Shaun Tuxker, 38, of Haverfordwest
- Liam Unsworth, 27, of Narberth
- Shaun Manche, 41, of Milford Haven
- Chelsea McLaren, 29, of Narberth
- Marian Radoi, 40, of Haverfordwest
- Leah Reynolds, 31, of Haverfordwest
- James Stewart, 44, of Pembroke Dock
- Andrew Stokes, 53, of Stourport-on-Severn
- Nicola Wilkins, 48, of Swansea
- Rhys R Williams, 24, of Tonyrefail
- Ryan Williams, 45, of Swansea
- John Wright, 41, of Pembroke Dock
Each case involves allegations of littering, primarily cigarette butts, in public places such as streets, car parks, and parks across Pembrokeshire. Offenders face maximum penalties of up to £2,500 under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Authorities hope these proceedings will serve as a reminder to the public about the importance of maintaining clean and litter-free communities.
Pictured: Litter enforcement officer in Haverfordwest (Image: File)
Crime
Merthyr men accused after Pembrokeshire pub altercation
THREE MEN from Merthyr Tydfil are facing serious charges following a violent incident at The Boathouse in Saundersfoot on Friday (Oct 28) 2022.
James O’Neill, 53, is accused of grievous bodily harm with intent. His son, Aron O’Neill, 25, and nephew, Shaun Nicholas, 24, are charged with causing actual bodily harm.
Confrontation caught on CCTV
The altercation, captured on CCTV, began after a reported dispute involving James O’Neill and the complainant, Stephen Kanauros. Witnesses testified that O’Neill struck Kanauros to the ground after an earlier confrontation with staff and an alleged incident involving Kanauros’ wife.
James O’Neill has previous convictions for actual bodily harm, dating back to 1989.
Witness accounts
Key witnesses gave evidence at Swansea Crown Court today, detailing the events leading up to the violent encounter.
Jasmine Kanauros, the victim’s daughter, recounted how her stepmother, Kate, was shoved by James O’Neill while dancing near the door. “She stumbled backwards, and that got everyone’s attention,” Jasmine said. Her father intervened, shouting, “That’s my wife,” before rushing to her defence. Jasmine described the moment their heads collided and hearing someone shout, “He’s biting him.”
Adam Bolwell, who was with Jasmine at the time, also described the escalation. “Stephen got up between Kate and the man, and then the kerfuffle happened again,” he said, adding that he later saw James O’Neill latch onto Stephen’s face during the struggle.
Harry Lewis, another witness, described the chaotic scene. “There was grappling, grabbing—so many people around him. It was like a tornado of people,” he said. Lewis also saw blood on the victim’s lip and a towel being used to stem the bleeding.
James Olliet, another onlooker, testified about seeing punches thrown and the aftermath of the fight. “I couldn’t tell if the blood on the man’s face was his or someone else’s,” he said. After the defendants walked away, shouting at staff, police arrived and reportedly recovered a piece of the victim’s lip near the pub’s entrance.
Gruesome discovery
Colin Barrett, a member of the band playing at the pub that night, testified about the gruesome discovery. “We had just started playing ‘Proud Mary’ when I noticed something going on,” Barrett said. Later, while loading equipment into a van, he found a piece of the victim’s lip outside the pub door. “I took a photo and zoomed in—it was the lip,” he told the court.
Medical testimony
Medical experts highlighted the severity of Stephen Kanauros’ injuries. A facial and plastic surgeon testified that the victim suffered a significant wound to his lower lip, a gum tear, and puncture wounds to his face and fingers. “The patient was taken to the theatre under local anaesthetic,” the surgeon said.
The trial continues.
Crime
Warrant issued for Haverfordwest man accused of assault
A WARRANT without bail has been issued for David Guy, the Haverfordwest man accused of assaulting a person in Market Street, Haverfordwest, causing him actual bodily harm.
Guy, 48, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, was scheduled to appear before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, December 10. However, following his non-appearance, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.
Guy is accused of assaulting Mr Andrew Mark Lloyd during an alleged incident in the town centre on August 8.
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