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Crime

Dyfed-Powys sees rise in shoplifting as retail staff face growing threats

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NEW crime figures reveal an increase in shoplifting across Welsh police force areas, with Dyfed-Powys recording a 12% rise. Retail trade union Usdaw has expressed deep concern over the impact on shop workers as theft-related violence escalates.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) today published data showing a 19% overall rise in shoplifting incidents across Wales in the year to September 2024. The figures for individual police forces are:

  • Dyfed-Powys: +12%
  • Gwent: +37%
  • North Wales: -3%
  • South Wales: +24%
Retail Crime Strategy: Dafydd Llywelyn

The Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, addressed the issue of shoplifting in the region last year. In September 2024, Llywelyn acknowledged that shoplifting (retail crime) has increased in the Dyfed-Powys area, reflecting a national trend.

In response to this increase, the following actions have been taken:

  • Dyfed-Powys Police has created a Retail Crime Strategy linked to the work of Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
  • The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has drafted a retail crime action plan to complement the Force Strategy.

These initiatives aim, he said, to build confidence among the retail community across the Dyfed-Powys area. The Commissioner emphasized that both Dyfed-Powys Police and his office have been attentive to concerns from businesses regarding shoplifting, demonstrating their commitment to addressing this issue.

Usdaw’s latest annual survey, which gathered responses from over 4,000 retail staff, found that 17% of retail workers experienced a violent attack last year—more than double the 8% recorded in 2022. Additionally, 70% of respondents reported that incidents of violence, threats, and abuse were triggered by theft or armed robbery.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) also released its annual crime report this week, highlighting a disturbing trend:

  • Retail violence and abuse surged by over 50%, reaching more than 2,000 incidents a day in 2024.
  • Customer theft losses hit a record £2.2 billion in 2023/24.
  • Despite retailers spending £1.8 billion on security measures, crime levels remain alarmingly high.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis described the figures as “shocking,” stating: “The epidemic of retail crime is devastating for businesses and communities. Retailers are forced to invest heavily in security, yet store closures continue, and shop workers live in fear of the next violent incident.”

Lillis pointed to the rise of organised crime gangs stealing to order, noting that these incidents are far from victimless. “Weapons and violence are increasingly used to deter staff from intervening. Repeated offences create lasting trauma, causing anxiety, fear, and physical harm to workers.”

Usdaw, alongside the BRC and major retail employers, has long campaigned for stronger legislative measures to tackle the issue. The Government’s upcoming Crime and Policing Bill includes provisions aimed at addressing retail crime, and Usdaw is pushing for additional protections, including:

  • A Retail Workers’ Protection Law.
  • The abolition of the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters.
  • Increased funding for uniformed officer patrols in shopping areas.
  • Respect Orders for repeat offenders.

“We need urgent action to ensure retail staff receive the respect and protection they deserve,” Lillis added.

Crime

Shoplifting concerns spread to Narberth as High Street pharmacy issues warning

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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.

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Crime

Pembroke Dock Police warn of penalties for illegal e-scooter use

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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.

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Crime

Pembrokeshire linked to major UK drug ring as fugitive jailed for 12 years

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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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