Crime
Only 3% of sexual offences reported to Dyfed-Powys Police result in a charge

MORE than 1,600 rape and sexual offences have been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police in the last year, but just three per cent resulted in a charge or summons.
New data obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) has revealed that between September 2023 and 2024, a total of 1,686 offences were reported to the force but just 47 resulted in a charge or summons.
Sexual Abuse Claims Specialist, Ellie Lamey says it is “staggeringly low” and “it is important victims know that support is available.”
In the last year, there were 1,141 sexual offences reported to Dyfed-Powys Police as well as further 545 rapes.
Of those, just 47 resulted in a charge with 552 offences still under investigation.

According to the force, the majority of rape and sexual offence victims and alleged perpetrators were between the ages of 0-17.
Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice also obtained new data from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – which is a government-backed organisation that can offer compensation to victims of sexual abuse.
In the last year, the CICA received 13,313 applications from alleged victims of sexual assault or abuse.
Of those, 1,763 received compensation – that’s just 13 per cent.
CICA Specialist at SACA, Ellie Lamey said: “The number of sexual assault/abuse victims who have applied for CIC is staggeringly low compared to the number of offences being reported to police forces across the UK.”
This, along with mammoth delays in the court system and the early release of prisoners is, of course, hugely concerning for victims.
SACA’s investigation revealed the main reasons why victims are rejected by the CICA. They include: the incident was not a ‘crime of violence’, the application was made outside the relevant time limit, failure to co-operate with bringing the assailant to justice and failure to co-operate with the CICA.
In the last year, the organisation paid out compensation totalling £18,463,509.85 to victims of sexual abuse.
Specialist Ellie Lamey added: “It is so important that victims know there is support available for them and not to be deterred or fearful of rejection.
“Victims should be aware that they can report historical periods of abuse/assaults to the police, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.
“Victims can avoid rejections by ensuring they fully cooperate with the police in bringing the assailant to justice as well as seeking appropriate medical attention regarding any physical or psychological injuries sustained from the assault they are a victim of.
“CICA data from 2020-2022 shows that 18 per cent of applications are submitted outside of the two-year time limit, and of these 61 per cent went on to receive an award.
“With relevant evidence, we can provide exceptional circumstances that have contributed to the delay in a victim submitting an application.”
Dyfed-Powys Police responded to the data saying that it had the second highest conviction rate for rape offences in England and Wales at 72.7% in the year to date.
However, the force said it recognises that there is still a lot more to do to ensure that all victims-survivors get the justice they deserve.
The force joined Operation Sorteria Bluestone in 2022, the aim of which was to transform the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO).
A spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting victims-survivors of rape and sexual assault and all detectives are fully trained in the College of Policing Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Investigative Skills Development Programme (RISDP).
“We’ve revolutionised our response to rape victims-survivors by providing an option of speaking to an officer via video call utilising specialist software. This has enabled victims-survivors to have access to specialist support in an environment which is comfortable for them.
“Rape and sexual offences investigations can be complex and due to their very nature can take longer than 12 months to investigate thoroughly.
“The Government’s review also acknowledged that not all victims-survivors who report incidents to the police want to proceed with a criminal justice outcome.
“As such, measuring charge rates within a 12-month period against the volume of crime reported can be sometimes misleading.”
The police spokesperson added: “We would urge anyone who has been a victim-survivor of a sexual offence to please come forward and get the support they rightly deserve.
“Whether a victim-survivor chooses to involve the police or not, support is available to everyone. New Pathways is the largest sexual violence support provider in Wales, with extensive experience of delivering specialist support to adults and children affected by the trauma of rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse.
“We would also encourage victims-survivors of sexual assault to seek help through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). SARCs provide a safe space and dedicated care for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, and are here for everyone.”
- Visit New Pathways on www.newpathways.org.uk, or to find a SARC go to collaborative.nhs.wales/SARCs
- For details of support services and how to report a sexual offence, including non-recent incidents, visit https://bit.ly/reportsexualoffences
- If you have been a victim of a crime, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
- Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) also offers a specialist service for anyone looking for support and advice after being affected by rape or sexual assault.
They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.
Crime
Shoplifting concerns spread to Narberth as High Street pharmacy issues warning

BUSINESSES in Narberth are facing mounting challenges as concerns over shoplifting spread beyond Tenby. Narberth High Street Pharmacy has issued a stark warning to local traders after a suspected theft incident, urging vigilance among businesses and the public.
In a statement posted online, the pharmacy said: “Warning to Narberth High Street. Another case of suspected theft. Please watch the video carefully. Items were not left behind after inspecting the shelves. It is extremely difficult for businesses to remain viable when this sort of thing happens.”
The pharmacy, which remains open seven days a week, highlighted the growing difficulties in maintaining a presence in the town due to ongoing retail crime.
Rising shoplifting across Pembrokeshire
The incident in Narberth follows widespread national coverage of shoplifting issues in Tenby, where local businesses have reported thousands of pounds in losses due to theft. The situation has drawn attention to a concerning trend across Pembrokeshire, where independent shops and pharmacies—already struggling with rising costs—are finding it increasingly difficult to operate.
According to the latest crime data, shoplifting offences have been rising in Wales, mirroring a nationwide trend. The Office for National Statistics reported a 23% increase in retail thefts across England and Wales in the past year. In Dyfed-Powys, shoplifting cases have surged by 12%, with many small businesses feeling the pressure.
Call for action
Narberth traders are now calling for more proactive policing and stronger deterrents to tackle the issue. While CCTV and security measures have been introduced by some businesses, many feel they are left to handle the problem themselves, with limited police resources available.
The pharmacy urged the community to assist in identifying the individual involved in the latest suspected theft, stating:
“If anyone has any info on this individual, please share so we can follow up with the police.”
With the problem now affecting multiple towns in Pembrokeshire, there is growing pressure for authorities to implement stronger measures to support businesses and protect livelihoods.
Crime
Pembroke Dock Police warn of penalties for illegal e-scooter use

PEMBROKE DOCK police have issued a warning about the legal status of e-scooters, reminding residents that they are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act. This means they are subject to the same requirements as cars and motorcycles, including the need for a licence, insurance, and tax.
Currently, it is not possible to obtain insurance for privately owned e-scooters, making their use on roads or in public spaces illegal. Those caught riding an e-scooter without a valid licence or insurance could face penalties, including:
⚠️ A £300 fine and six penalty points for riding without insurance.
⚠️ A fine of up to £100 and three to six penalty points for not having the correct licence.
Offenders may also be penalised for:
❌ Riding on pavements.
❌ Using a mobile phone or handheld device while riding.
❌ Ignoring red lights.
❌ Riding under the influence of alcohol, which carries the same penalties as drink-driving a car, including court-imposed fines, a driving ban, or even imprisonment.
Police are urging residents to be aware of the rules and avoid using e-scooters illegally to prevent fines and legal action.
Crime
Pembrokeshire linked to major UK drug ring as fugitive jailed for 12 years

A MAN who was one of the UK’s most wanted criminals has been sentenced to 12 years in prison at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (Feb 14), with links to drug supply chains reaching Pembrokeshire.
Calvin Parris, 34, from Cardiff, was the final member of an organised crime group (OCG) supplying drugs across Wales to be brought to justice after spending four years on the run.
It is believed that the group’s drugs made their way to smaller dealers and users across South and West Wales.
Parris was finally detained by Portuguese Judicial Police officers in the Algarve, Portugal, on October 3. Specialist National Extradition Unit officers from the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre (JICC) escorted him back to the UK on October 15, 2024, where he was taken into custody by South Wales Police.
Duncan Burrage, NCA International Regional Manager, said: “After naming Calvin Parris as one of our most wanted fugitives, we were relentless in our efforts to track him down and return him to Wales to face justice.
“The jail term served to Parris today wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our Portuguese Judicial Police partners who located and arrested him in the Algarve last year.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to work closely with domestic and international law enforcement to ensure there is nowhere for UK fugitives to run and hide from justice.”
Detective Sergeant Ceri Young of South Wales Police added: “Parris was a member of an organised crime group involved in a complex conspiracy to traffic class A drugs into South Wales using encrypted communications devices on the ‘Encro Chat’ platform.
“Organised crime and drug trafficking have a significant detrimental impact on communities, and bringing offenders involved in this level of criminality to justice is a priority for South Wales Police.”
Drug trafficking network uncovered
The scale of the operation was exposed when Albanian national Lenci Gashi was stopped on May 27, 2020, while driving a Citroen Berlingo on the M4 towards South Wales. His van was found to contain 15kg of pressed cocaine, destined for members of the OCG.
On June 16, 2020, Michael Laverick, identified as the head of the South Wales-based OCG, was arrested. Investigations revealed that between March 31 and May 27, 2020, the group took possession of 35kg of cocaine and paid £696,000 to upstream suppliers through a complex network of trusted criminal associates, safe locations, and couriers.
Laverick was supported by his second-in-command, Asim Naveed, who was responsible for the onward distribution of cocaine. Danny Attard played a key role in storing drug consignments at safe locations in Cardiff before their distribution.
Parris and Damian Farrugia, both of Cardiff, were identified as regular customers purchasing wholesale amounts of cocaine. Parris and Farrugia each received 7kg of cocaine, while Amir Khan was found to have received 6.5kg.
South Wales Police executed multiple search warrants across the region, leading to arrests and the recovery of cash, communication devices, and high-value goods, demonstrating the financial gains of the OCG.
Parris and Naveed fled the UK but were eventually tracked down in Portugal with the help of the National Crime Agency.
Sentences handed down to members of the OCG
- Amir Khan – 20 years 7 months
- Michael Laverick – 18 years
- Danny Attard – 14 years
- Damian Farrugia – 13 years
- Lenci Gashi – 11 years 4 months
- Asim Naveed – 10 years 8 months
Authorities believe their drug operation reached deep into communities across South and West Wales, including Pembrokeshire, further highlighting the devastating impact of organised crime on local areas.
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