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Crime

Plain clothed police to act as ‘disruption teams’ during nights out

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UNIFORMED and plain clothed police officers will act as disruption teams to prevent sexual offences and violence against women from taking place during nights out in the lead-up to Christmas.

A pilot project being carried out by Dyfed-Powys Police will see plain clothed officers with specialist training acting as spotters during busy evenings, identifying people who appear to present a risk to others by displaying sexually predatory behaviour. These concerns will be reported to police in uniform, who will step in to disrupt potentially criminal behaviour before it happens.

The scheme is called Project Vigilant and is being trialled over three weekends in December with the aim of rolling it out across the force area in the new year. Ahead of the launch, 12 proactive policing team officers will receive specialist behavioural observation training from colleagues at Thames Valley Police to upskill them in risk management and to encourage proactivity in spotting predatory behaviour.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “This is an exciting new project for Dyfed-Powys Police, and one we’re looking forward to getting off the ground. We’re confident Project Vigilant will have a great impact in helping to reassure and protect women during the nighttime economy.

“Women should feel safe on a night out and should not feel the need to change their behaviour to stay so. By looking out for potential predators, we will ultimately be changing the behaviours of those who could cause harm, and making our communities safer for all.

“While Project Vigilant has the specific aim of helping to reassure and protect women during the nighttime economy, we anticipate it will have an overall result of deterring all types of criminality.

“There’s evidence to show that in cases where forces have deployed a greater number of uniformed officers to hotspot areas, perpetrators dispersed to other locations. The key here is in using plain clothed officers to spot the concerning behaviour and identify individuals to their colleagues who can step in.

“This is one of many examples of preventative policing being used by Dyfed-Powys Police to help identify potential criminal activity and intervene before offending occurs.”

Under Project Vigilant, officers will be deployed to patrol areas that are particularly busy during the evening and nighttime to be on the lookout for potential predatory behaviour towards women. Anyone who is flagged as a potential risk will be approached by uniformed police who will assess the situation and take appropriate action if needed.

Their deployment will be based on intelligence to make sure officers are in the right place at the right time.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has funded the pilot under the Serious Violence Duty. PCC Dafydd Llywelyn said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, I’m committed to ensuring the safety of women in our communities, particularly during busy night-time periods.

“Project Vigilant is an important step toward proactive and preventative policing, aiming to identify and disrupt predatory behaviour before any harm can occur.

“This initiative not only helps protect individuals but also reinforces our commitment to creating safer public spaces across Dyfed-Powys.

“I’m proud to support this pilot and look forward to its impact on our communities.”

Crime

CCTV shows diners allegedly stealing from Narberth pub

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THIS story follows a post shared on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page on Sunday (Mar 23), where locals reacted with shock and anger after CCTV footage was released by The Angel in Narberth.

The pub’s owner, Louise Morgan, says she was left “annoyed and frustrated” after four diners allegedly helped themselves to salt and pepper mills from their table before walking out of the pub without paying for them.

The incident happened on Saturday (Mar 22) during lunchtime service. Louise, who has run the popular town centre pub for years, reviewed her CCTV after noticing the tableware had gone missing—and said she was stunned by what she saw.

Speaking to The Herald, she said: “They stole these salt and pepper mills which were there for less than a week. It’s like they had done it before. One of the guys blocked the camera, then the lady grabbed her coat, which allowed them to steal the mills.”

Louise added: “I am shocked. This has not happened for a while. People used to steal soap dispensers from the ladies’ toilets, but it’s been a few years since that happened. Still, I’ve replaced the dispensers with these large amber bottles.

“A person once said to me ‘If it’s not bolted down, people will take it.’ But overall, we don’t have that kind of clientele. I’m just annoyed. It’s hard enough running your own business for people to come in and steal your stuff. I like to think that most of my customers are not like that.”

The footage shows the group of four seated in the dining area, with what appears to be a deliberate attempt to block the camera while the items are taken. The Angel took to Facebook the following day, posting a still from the CCTV and a message asking for the items to be returned.

“If anyone knows Mr Kitchen Crew and his gang, please ask them to return the stolen goods & no questions will be asked,” the post said.

Hundreds of people reacted to the post, slamming the culprits and offering support to the pub.

Sue James-Davies wrote: “That is disgusting and pathetic. They should be shamed and banned from all Narberth establishments.”

Michelle Bellamy added: “That’s disgusting. Times are tough for everyone but if these people can afford to eat out surely, they can afford their own tableware at home without stealing. I hope they’re ashamed of themselves.”

James Iwan Day commented: “If they liked the tableware so much why didn’t they just ask where you got it from? Absolutely mind-blowing behaviour.”

And Graham Coslett said: “If they can afford to pay for the meal, they can afford to buy what they have stolen. I rest my case your honour.”

Police have not yet been involved, and Louise is hoping the items will be quietly returned.

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Crime

Milford Haven man assaulted three police officers and carried knife

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A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted assaulting three police officers and being in possession of a knife in public.

Adam Williams, aged 37, of Richard John Road, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court last week where he pleaded guilty to five charges.

The court heard that on March 16 Williams was found using a Volkswagen Golf without insurance in Milford Haven. On the same date, he was in possession of a craft knife without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on Richard John Road.

Williams also admitted three counts of common assault of an emergency worker, relating to three police officers.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Williams was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on March 31.

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Crime

Pair accused of counterfeit tobacco conspiracy

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TWO people from Llanybydder have been accused of conspiring to supply counterfeit tobacco products.

Kieran Pritchard and Rebecca Brammeld-Jones, both aged 33 and of Heol Y Gaer, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with conspiracy to distribute goods bearing a false trademark.

It is alleged the pair conspired to supply tobacco with packaging identical to, or likely to be mistaken for, Amber Leaf and Golden Virginia brands between October 1, 2022, and December 30, 2023.

Pritchard faces additional charges of being concerned in the supply of MDMA and cocaine during the same period.

He is further accused of possessing 4.63 grams of cocaine with intent to supply on December 29, 2023, and possession of criminal property – namely £29,139.60 in cash.

Both defendants were granted bail and are due to appear at Swansea Crown Court to enter pleas on April 22.

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