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Crime

Police offer advice after 60 reports of stolen quad bikes from farms

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE is advising the rural community to make sure security measures are in place to protect quad bikes and other farm equipment, in response to a spate of thefts.

There have been over 60 reports of stolen quad bikes across the force in 2024.

Farmers and other owners of quad bikes are reminded to be vigilant of suspicious vehicles and people in their community and to report any concerns to police.

Dyfed-Powys Police has acquired 150 SelectaDNA Rural Kits to support their efforts in combating rural crime. These advanced DNA asset-marking kits will be used to offer free property marking services to farmers, helping them protect their valuable equipment and machinery.

In addition to property marking, our Rural Crime Team officers, who are also qualified Crime Prevention Tactical Advisors (CPTAC), will visit farms to conduct comprehensive crime prevention audits. These audits are designed to ensure farms have the best security measures in place to deter criminal activity and safeguard their livelihoods.

The SelectaDNA Rural Kits use a unique DNA solution that can be applied to tools, vehicles, machinery, and other valuable assets. This marking is virtually invisible but can be detected under UV light, providing an indisputable link between stolen property and its rightful owner. This has proven to be a powerful deterrent against theft and an invaluable tool in recovering stolen items.

Rural communities are often targeted by criminals due to their remote locations and the high value of farming equipment.By offering free property marking and crime prevention visits, Dyfed-Powys Police aim to empower farmers with effective tools and advice to protect their assets and reduce the risk of crime.

Sergeant Paul Roberts from our Rural Crime Team, said: “I ask that local farmers and other quad bike owners take appropriate action to minimise the opportunities of these thefts occurring. This includes removing keys from ignitions after use and locking barns or outbuildings wherever the vehicles may be kept.

“I’m aware that thefts of quad bikes and farming machinery causes disruption to farmers’ work, as well as the financial implications, and I would like to reassure the public that police are thoroughly investigating these matters.

“I encourage anyone living in rural communities to remain vigilant to this type of theft, and to report any suspicious vehicles or behaviour to police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

The Rural Crime Team will be attending marts across the force, where community members can bring items such as tools, machinery, and bikes to be marked.

Farmers can also arrange a visit from our Rural Crime Team to mark equipment and conduct a security audit by emailing [email protected]

Visit our website for more information and advice about rural crime and what prevention measure you can take – https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/

Crime

Woman denies using sock filled with snooker balls in street fight

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A 37-YEAR-OLD woman from Pembroke Dock has denied possessing a sock stuffed with snooker balls during an alleged town centre street fight.

Frances Wallace, of King Street, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week charged with possession of an offensive weapon and using unlawful violence towards others during an incident in Pembroke Dock on June 15, 2024.

She is accused of arming herself with the makeshift weapon—a sock containing snooker balls—during what prosecutors described as a “serious public order offence” witnessed by around 20 members of the public.

Also in the dock was Stephen Charge, 52, of Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, who faces a single charge of using threatening and unlawful violence. He entered no plea.

Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told the court: “Both defendants were involved in a street fight that took place in Pembroke Dock. Police carried out extensive investigations, including reviewing video footage, which showed Frances Wallace armed herself with the sock containing snooker balls and used it as a weapon.

“You can imagine what it must have been like in Pembroke Dock at the time.”

Magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the case and it will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on June 20.

Both defendants were released on unconditional bail.

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Crime

Country sportsman loses gun licence after drug-driving conviction

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A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been forced to surrender his firearms licence after testing positive for a cocaine derivative while behind the wheel.

Shane Beynon, 50, was stopped by police on Clay Lane, Hundleton, on November 8, 2024. Subsequent tests revealed 240 micrograms of benzoylecgonine – a cocaine metabolite – in his system. The legal limit is 50.

This week, Beynon, of Hean Castle, Saundersfoot, pleaded guilty to drug-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates.

“He doesn’t take cocaine and is very surprised this was found in his system,” said defence solicitor Michael Kelleher. “He’d been out the night before, but he accepts that no one is going to come to court and say they spiked his drink.”

Mr Kelleher told the court that the mandatory driving ban would have a significant impact on Beynon, both professionally and personally.

“He is a self-employed fencing contractor who relies on his vehicle, and he’s also a keen shooter. As a result of this charge, he’s had to surrender his firearms to the police,” he added. “The future is very uncertain for him.”

Magistrates disqualified Beynon from driving for 12 months. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

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Crime

Scrap metal collector’s ‘disastrous’ decision ends in court

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A DECISION to drive onto the Pembroke Dock to Rosslare ferry route after consuming alcohol has been described in court as a “complete and utter disaster” for Cardiff man Charles O’Brien.

The 39-year-old was stopped by police on May 3 and tested positive during a roadside breath test. He was taken to Haverfordwest police station for further analysis.

“But he was unable to blow long enough for the machine to register,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “As a result, he failed to provide a specimen for analysis.”

O’Brien, of Grangetown, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen. He was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“This was a complete and utter disaster,” said Mr Kelleher. “He took his vehicle into the restricted port area. While it is not open to general members of the public, the offence still applies.”

The court heard that O’Brien is self-employed as a scrap metal collector.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 12 months. He was also fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

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